Former QAS player Indiah-Paige Riley has earned her first ever selection for the Westfield Matildas in a game against Germany on the weekend at Brita-Arena.
The 19-year-old was one of four uncapped players selected by coach Tony Gustavsson in the 23-player senior team for the return to international football this month.
“She is an explosive attacking player, but her main attribute is her unwavering commitment to football and improving her game every day,” FQ’s State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said.
“Indiah developed her skills at the QAS for three years under David Da Silva’s guidance. She was part of the NPL Women’s Grand Final winning QAS NTC team in 2018 before she signed for the Brisbane Roar.”
Riley started her Westfield W-League football journey in 2018 playing with the Roar, swapping for the Danish Elitedivisionen just a few months ago. No stranger to the national team setup, the Westfield W-League Young Player of the Year has earned five caps for the Young Matildas at Under 20 level.
In their first match since March 2020, the Australian team suffered a 5-2 loss against World No.2 Germany on Sunday. Gearing up for the Tokyo Olympics, the game was the first of two international friendlies this week, with a game against the Netherlands on April 14.
Riley is eager to play in the Tokyo Olympics next year and hopes to test her skills against some of the world’s best players at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
“She is a great role model,” Ganczer said. “Riley was one of the first players to attend a promotional photoshoot after the suspension of football last year with community teams to encourage more players to get back into the game. She has made everyone in Queensland proud with her debut for the Matildas.”
The Westfield Matildas will get another chance this week as they face FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 finalists, the Netherlands.
Words: Charlotte Monteath
Image: Westfield Matildas