Four CU Academy players have been selected for the Australian squad to compete in the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship Qualifiers in Vietnam which commence later this month.
Utility Cecilija Matic (Gungahlin United), Midfielders Karly Roestbakken (Monaro Panthers) and Laura Hughes (Woden Valley) and goalkeeper Olivia Riddel (Woden Valley) were named in the 23-player squad that will take part in the Championships at the Vietnam Youth Training Centre in Hanoi from 25th August to 3rd September.
The players were identified from the recent NTC Challenge and the FFA National Youth Championships following on from their outstanding performances with the Academy throughout the campaign.
“We are delighted to have four players selected for the Australian Women’s under-16 squad,” Capital Football Technical Director Warren Grieve commented. “The players have shown throughout the season, and in their development up to this point, that they have the technique and quality to play at the elite level in their age group.
“We congratulate Cecilija, Laura, Karly and Olivia on their selection in the squad and wish them the best of luck in the tournament.”
For local club side Woden Valley to see two of their products selected for the national team is a proud moment.
Woden Valley Soccer Club is thrilled to see two of its former juniors from the club’s U10-12 Girls Academy – Olivia Riddel and Laura Hughes – gain selection in the U16 Australian squad to play in the AFC Championships,” Junior Club President Danny Calder commented.
“The whole club community and especially the girls that played with Olivia and Laura a few years ago are very proud of their achievements, wish them the best of luck in this upcoming tournament and in their future football careers. We also hope their success provides encouragement for other young players who aspire to play at the highest level they can.”
The Australian team have been drawn in Group D of the competition alongside Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Palestine and Iraq.
SQUAD
Cecilija MATIC, Karly ROESTBAKKEN, Olivia RIDDEL (GK), Laura HUGHES, Georgia IANNELLA, Kyra COONEY-CROSS, Sofia SAKALIS, Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, Gracie JOHNS, Tori TUMETH, Amy SAYER, Courtney NEVIN, Ashley DRIBBUS, Angelique HRISTODOULOU, Alyssa ROSE, Jess MEADS, Julia VIGNES, India KUBIN, Shekinah FRISKE (GK), Annalee GROVE (GK), Tessa TAMPLIN, Molly ARENS, Lucy KELL