In a boost for local player development and in cooperation with Football Australia, Football Queensland (FQ) will host an Elite Match this Wednesday, 19 May at QSAC, Nathan.
The game will be the first Elite Match for Under 15 and Under 16 female players being held in Queensland this year, with 26 players from the QAS program and a host of women’s clubs selected to play each other in two teams of mixed age groups, with QAS coaches at the helm.
“In Football Queensland’s Strategic Plan, we identified the need to provide high-quality participation experiences and development opportunities for young Queensland players,” said FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci.
“With Australia set to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, FQ is committed to developing infrastructure, pathways and opportunities to welcome more women and girls to our game.
“By delivering participation opportunities like this week’s match at QSAC, we can demonstrate to aspiring young female footballers that there is a clear pathway for progression, and inspire girls of all ages and skill levels to participate in football.”
FQ State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said the match will be a fantastic development and talent identification opportunity for the participating players, with the potential to lead to national team selection into the future.
“Some of Queensland’s most talented young footballers will be able to test their skills against their peers in front of national team coaches, including Junior Matildas Head Coach Rae Dower who will be observing this week’s match,” Ganczer said.
“I’m confident the Elite Match will be a valuable experience for each player, and for some this may be the first step towards wearing the green and gold for Australia.
“This is the first of many opportunities that local players will have to showcase their talents throughout the year. I’d like to congratulate each player on their selection, and I wish them all the best for tomorrow’s Elite Match.”
Team Maroon
NAME | AGE | CLUB |
Ella O’Grady | U16 | QAS |
Sunshine Rutch | U16 | QAS |
Kira Richards-Bassett | U16 | Gold Coast United |
Sarah O’Donoghue | U16 | QAS |
Mia Green | U15 | Moreton Bay United |
Sophie Wood | U16 | QAS |
Amali Kinsella | U16 | Caboolture FC |
Mackenzie Nielsen | U16 | QAS |
Zara Kruger | U15 | Lions FC |
Lauren Vaschina | U16 | QAS |
Jade Uhlmann | U15 | QAS |
Sarah Birchall | U15 | QAS |
Zara Stone | U16 | Moreton Bay United |
Coaches: Adam Pengelly, Nicola Demaine
Team Grey
NAME | AGE | CLUB |
Daisy Brown | U15 | QAS |
Maggie Barrett | U15 | QAS |
Jonti Fisher | U16 | QAS |
Georgia Dean | U15 | QAS |
Macey Edward | U16 | Sunshine Coast Wanderers |
Mia Viel | U16 | QAS |
Emelia Meli | U16 | QAS |
Charlie Gibson | U16 | QAS |
Heidi Dennis | U16 | QAS |
Halle Nielsen | U16 | QAS |
Sian Costigan | U15 | QAS |
Kiera Godeby | U15 | QAS |
Emily Clark | U15 | Logan Lightning |
Coaches: Tom McDonald, Dante Stehn
Words: Charlotte Monteath