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Gallagher and Henry named in CommBank Young Matildas preparations for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™

Wanderers Sheridan Gallagher and Bryleeh Henry have been named in the Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas squad that is set to begin their preparations for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2022™.

Australia will host New Zealand in the nation’s capital on 6 April and 10 April 2022 with the internationals the first competitive match action for Leah Blayney’s team since the conclusion of the 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship. 

Football Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, said:

“It is exciting for Football Australia to continue to re-launch our youth national team programs and we are pleased to secure two international matches for the Commonwealth Young Matildas following a period of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These youth representative matches build on the strong partnership we have with our Trans-Tasman neighbours, New Zealand Football, with the senior Commonwealth Bank Matildas hosting New Zealand in Canberra on Tuesday, 12 April 2022. 

“Providing our youth national teams with high quality match minutes consistently is vital to ensure their continued development.  We are committed to supporting Leah and her team over the coming months as they return to the international stage and demonstrate the quality we can look forward to in the coming years.”

Ahead of the international fixtures the Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas will enter a pre-camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) from Thursday, 31 March and conclude on 12 April 2022. 

Head Coach Leah Blayney emphasised the importance of having competitive fixtures for the youth national team with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ a little over five months away. 

“This two-match international series against New Zealand is the first phase in ensuring the Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas are best prepared for the exciting moment ahead of them in August,” Blayney said. 

“We have been building together as a group for almost two years without the opportunity to test ourselves in international standard match conditions.  It makes this series crucial in bringing together the players and fostering familiarity with our coaching staff and each other.” 

Blayney has named a 28-player roster for the training camp and international series comprising of a combination of A-League Women’s players and players from Member Federation underpinning development programs.  A majority of the squad named have been previously involved at U-17s level and in the Future Matildas program. 

“The 28 players selected have been recognised for their excellent season in the A-League Women’s, as well as providing several others with a chance to display their capabilities in a high-performance environment,” Blayney said. 

“I am pleased we can have an assembly that has international fixtures attached and provides the players with a clear goal over the next two weeks.  We have an array of talent in our country and these home matches are an excellent platform to showcase the next generation of Australian footballers.”

The Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas camp and internationals in Canberra is part of the continued return of all the women’s national teams with the Junior Matildas currently undertaking a training camp and the ParaMatildas also due to commence national team activity. 

“Capital Football is delighted to welcome our national teams back to Canberra and is looking forward to the matches that will be played here in April,” Capital Football CEO Chris Gardiner said.

“The Commonwealth Bank Matildas, Young Matildas, Junior Matildas and ParaMatildas are an important part of the football family and are well-supported in the National Capital.  We are anticipating some excellent international football over the coming weeks and encourage all supporters of the game to get out and back the teams in action.”

Supporters can watch the Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas take on New Zealand for FREE on 6 April and 10 April 2022. 

Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas v New Zealand 
Wednesday, 6 April 2022
Venue: Deakin Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off: 6.30pm (AEST)

Commonwealth Bank Matildas v New Zealand 
Sunday, 10 April 2022  
Venue: Viking Stadium, Canberra 
Kick Off: 2.00pm (AEST)  

COMMONWEALTH BANK YOUNG MATILDAS SQUAD | 31 MARCH – 12 APRIL 2022

NAMEPOSITIONCLUB / MEMBER FED
Naomi CHINAMADefenderMelbourne City / Football Victoria
Kirsty FENTONDefenderNewcastle Jets / NNSW Football
Gemma FERRISDefenderFootball NSW
Daniela GALICMidfielderFootball NSW
Sheridan GALLAGHERForwardWestern Sydney Wanderers / Football NSW
Abbey GREENForwardPerth Glory / Football West
Bryleeh HENRYForwardWestern Sydney Wanderers / Football NSW
Sarah HUNTERMidfielderSydney FC / Football NSW
Emma ILIJOSKIDefenderCanberra United / Capital Football
Sally JAMESGoalkeeperMelbourne City / Capital Football
Kahli JOHNSONMidfielderSydney FC / Football NSW
Hannah JONESMidfielderWellington Phoenix / Football NSW
Aideen KEANEMidfielderPerth Glory / Football NSW
Chloe LINCOLNGoalkeeperCanberra United / Capital Football
Hana LOWRYMidfielderPerth Glory / Football West
Darcey MALONEMidfielderMelbourne City / Football NSW
Leticia MCKENNAMidfielderMelbourne City / Football West
Claudia MIHOCICDefenderPerth Glory / Football Victoria
Alana MURPHYMidfielderMelbourne Victory / Football Victoria
Emilia MURRAYMidfielderAdelaide United / Football SA
Jessika NASHDefenderSydney FC / Football NSW
Leia PUXTYDefenderAdamstown Rosebud FC / NNSW Football
Jamilla RANKINDefenderBrisbane Roar / NNSW Football
Charlize RULEDefenderSydney FC / Football NSW
Sofia SAKALISDefenderPerth Glory / Football Victoria
Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNGForwardCanberra United / Capital Football
Miranda TEMPLEMANGoalkeeperAdelaide United / Football West
Ella TONKINMidfielderAdelaide United / Football SA