Avaani Prakash will take on the world’s best after being called into the Young Matildas squad for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The Western United star had an excellent cameo in the side’s last camp in New Zealand and has now been elevated into the squad as an injury replacement, joining Western United teammates Kahli Johnson, Chloe Lincoln and Sasha Grove.
It caps off an incredible 12-month span for the 17-year-old who signed her first professional deal with Western United in October 2023 before going on to make 14 appearances across the Liberty A-League Women season.
In her debut year, Prakash netted an historic goal when she became the first Western United player to score at Ironbark Fields in Tarneit and the youngest professional scorer in the Club’s history.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said Prakash’s talent appetite for the game over the past year had led to this opportunity.
“From the first day she came into our club, Avaani has been incredibly impressive to us all with her work ethic, humility and hunger to learn and improve,” he said.
“Alongside her obvious natural talent, her internal drive to succeed is fantastic for someone at such a young age and we are delighted that she has been rewarded with this opportunity.
“We are delighted to have Avaani at our club and look forward to assisting her ongoing development in our environment at Ironbark Fields.
“We wish Avaani all the best in Colombia alongside Kahli, Chloe, Sasha and the entire squad.”
Prakash will be no stranger to international tournament football having featured prominently for the Junior Matildas when they won the AFF U18 Women’s Championship in 2022.
Australia will be looking to progress from Group A at the World Cup, kicking the tournament off against the host nation before taking on Mexico and Cameroon.
Avaani and a host of talented young stars will take centre stage for Western United at Ironbark Fields next season. Sign up for a membership today and don’t miss any of the action.
