6 NSW Stars called up for ParaMatildas’ Women’s World Cup Squad

ParaMatildas head coach Kelly Stirton has named a 10-player squad to compete in the inaugural IFCPF Women’s World Cup in Salou, Spain which includes NSW born stars Holly Saunders, Nicole Christodoulou, Tahlia Blanshard, Charlize Tran, Eloise Northam and Rae Anderson. 

Running from 11 May to 17 May 2022, Australia will commence their maiden campaign against the Netherlands on 11 May 2022 with kick off at 12:45 CEST / 8.45pm AET.

Stirton expressed her delight in selecting the first squad to represent the CommBank ParaMatildas on the international stage.

“With the selection of the first CommBank ParaMatildas squad, this is an exciting time for these players who have been working towards this goal for the longest time.  They are ready to make history for our nation,” Stirton said.

“It was certainly a difficult process and through their efforts, the players have made this a real challenge to select the final squad.

“This is a squad with many strengths including leadership, speed and agility.  We have a lot of girls with para sports backgrounds meaning we have a quick squad, which is going to be a danger when we break behind those lines of defence.  Our positive attitude as a squad is also one to watch out for, we have that UNDEFEATED resilience.”

The squad ranges from the youngest team member, 15-year-old Charlize Tran to the experienced Nicole Christodoulou and Matilda Mason.  It also includes two Paralympians in Georgia Beikhoff and Rae Anderson, with Anderson recently competing at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics.

The side will be co-captained by Georgia Beikhoff and Eloise Northam with the duo handed their jerseys by former Matildas captain and Legacy ’23 ambassador, Julie Dolan and former vice-captain Moya Dodd in a jersey ceremony that included CommBank Junior Matildas head coach Rae Dower and seven Future Matildas players.

“We are heading to Spain to play for each other and our country.  The players may be individuals off the field but when they are on the field, they are one.  The team has shown me that obstacles put in front of them can be overcome by working together as a team.”

“I would also like to make special mention of the players that have helped us prepare for the tournament, especially Emily O’Sullivan and Rachel Tolson who have been here in our pre-departure camp.  All the players who have been a part of this journey are a part of the CommBank ParaMatildas history.”

After the opening clash, the pool matches will continue in quick succession with Australia taking on Japan (13 May), hosts Spain (14 May) and United States (15 May) to close out the fixtures.

Following the round robin stage, the top two nations will challenge for the championship while the bronze medal match will feature the third and fourth placed teams.

The CommBank ParaMatildas games will be broadcast on the My Football YouTube channel, while tournament match scheduling and results can be accessed here.

Supporters can follow the journey of the ParaMatildas to the IFCPF Women’s World Cup through their website and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

COMMBANK PARAMATILDAS SQUAD | 2022 IFCPF WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

COMMBANK PARAMATILDAS | GROUP MATCH SCHEDULE

Australia v Netherlands
Date: Wednesday, 11 May 2022
Venue: Futbol Salou Field 8
Kick Off: 12.45pm CEST / 8.45pm AET

Australia v Japan
Date: Friday, 13 May 2022
Venue: Futbol Salou Field 8
Kick Off: 9.45am CEST / 5.45pm AET

Australia v Spain
Date: Saturday, 14 May 2022
Venue: Futbol Salou Field 8
Kick Off: 12.45pm CEST / 8.45pm AET

Australia v United States of America
Date: Sunday, 15 May 2022
Venue: Futbol Salou Field 8
Kick Off: 12.45pm CEST / 8.45pm AET