CommBank Junior Matildas extended squad selected for Canberra training camp

The CommBank Junior Matildas will commence their new international cycle with a six-day training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra from 22 – 27 April 2025.

The assembly marks the first under recently appointed Head Coach Mike Cooper, who steps into the role to lead Australia’s U-17 Women’s National Team through the upcoming cycle, including the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™.

An extended squad of 34 players has been selected as Cooper and his staff begin laying the foundations for the next generation of CommBank Junior Matildas.

“It is exciting for us to start the next chapter of the CommBank Junior Matildas story,” Cooper said. "This camp is about creating the platform for growth, performance, and future opportunity.

“The focus will not just be on the pitch, but across all the areas that matter in long-term development. This is an intensive introduction that we’ll build on throughout the year, both in and out of camp.

“As a staff we want to create a challenging and supportive environment that inspires these young players to dream big and take ownership of their journey. We want them to feel what it means to represent their country, not just now with the CommBank Junior Matildas, but one day on the world stage with the CommBank Matildas."

The Canberra-based camp provides an opportunity for players and staff to connect in a high-performance environment, while establishing the technical and tactical principles that will underpin the team’s style of play.

The 34 players selected for the camp represent a strong cross-section of emerging talent from across Australia’s elite youth development pathways.

"This is a deliberately extended squad, reflecting our commitment to talent identification,” Cooper explained.

“We've worked closely with Member Federations and clubs across the country to ensure we’re casting the net wide and giving players the opportunity to show what they can bring to the national team setup."

"The six days will be a crucial first step in preparing for the Qualifiers later this year and will help us learn more about this group, their strengths and how best to support them in the months ahead. It’s all part of the bigger picture of building a team ready to perform on the international stage," Cooper concluded.

The April assembly is the first step on the path toward qualification for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, which serves as the gateway to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™, with Round 1 taking place between 9–17 October 2025.

Further details on the upcoming fixtures and qualification pathway will be announced by the Asian Football Confederation in due course.

The CommBank Junior Matildas will assemble in Canberra on Tuesday, 22 April, with the camp concluding on Sunday, 27 April 2025.

COMMBANK JUNIOR MATILDAS | TRAINING CAMP SQUAD | APRIL 2025