32 young Queenslanders are on their way to Coffs Harbour to compete in this year’s Westfield Girls National Championships (NYC) between Monday, 16 July and Friday, 20 July.

Queensland’s Under 14 and Under 15 Girls teams headed south today for a three-day training camp before the NYC, where they will compete against teams from other member federations. Click here to view the full squad list, announced in May.

In 2017, Queensland’s Under 14 Girls were champions of the tournament and the majority of the winning squad will again represent the state, this time in the Under 15 Girls side.

Their first match is on Monday morning against Victoria and coach Craig Pilon said the squad is looking forward to the challenge.

“Typical Queensland team, they’re always going to give 100 per cent,” Pilon said.

“We’re asking them to implement a good style of play and we’re asking them to challenge themselves with the ball as well as without the ball.

“The three day camp is really important for creating an environment where each player can give their best performance.

“It’s not only crucial for us to work on our style of play but off-field behaviours and setting standards for the girls to shine.”

Pilon’s assistant coach is Football Queensland High Performance Officer Tom McDonald.

The Under 14 Girls team will be guided by coach Gary Ward, former Technical Director of Moreton Bay United, and assistant coach Liz Doherty.

Their campaign begins on Monday afternoon against New South Wales Metro Blue.

“As you’d expect, there’s lot of mixed emotions heading down to Coffs Harbour,” Ward said.

“Some of them are nervous but they’re excited to get down there and I know they’ll enjoy the week and give it their all.

“We haven’t had the squad together for the whole lead-in but Queenslanders are known for their heart and fight. We’ll go down there and work hard and work hard for each other.”

Chris Bryzak has been named goalkeeper coach for both squads.

 

2018 National Youth Championships for Girls Fixtures

Day One: Monday, 16 July

14 years: NSW Metro Blue v Queensland, 2.50pm

15 years: Victoria v Queensland, 9.30am

Day Two: Tuesday, 17 July

14 years: Queensland v Emerging Jets, 9.00am

                 Queensland v South Australia, 3.40pm

15 years: Queensland v Capital Football, 1.00pm

Day Three: Wednesday, 18 July

14 years: no game

15 years: Queensland v South Australia, 1.00pm

Day Four: Thursday, 19 July

14 years: Victoria v Queensland, 11.40am

15 years: NSW Metro Blue v Queensland, 10.20am

Day Five: Friday, 20 July

14 years: Finals TBC

15 years: Queensland v Emerging Jets, 10.20am

 

For more information on the NYC, please click here.