Western United Liberty A-League Women starlet Kahli Johnson headlines another Young Matildas squad with the winger joining a 28-player group in Sydney on Monday.
The squad will be put through its paces over a week-long training camp as the group continues its preparations for next year’s AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.
Johnson remains a regular in the Young Matildas set up, now featuring as one of the senior options in the Under 20’s outfit.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said Johnson’s continued selection for national camps will continue to set her up for success.
“Kahli is obviously no stranger to the Young Matildas environment now, but it continues to be an impressive achievement as she is consistently called back into camp,” he said.
“It is extremely positive to see Kahli continue to grow into a leader in the national team and we are excited to see the benefits that brings to her development and to our squad at Western United.”
The Young Matildas squad also shines a light on Western United’s development pathway in the west of Melbourne with two Calder United talents linking up with the squad for the first time.
Fiorina Iaria has earned her first national team selection after debuting for Calder’s Senior Women as a 16-year-old this year, scoring three goals.
Joining Iaria in camp is goalkeeper Natalie Picak who has shone as Calder’s No.1 after arriving from South Melbourne at the beginning of the season.
Western United Women’s Football Manager Amanda Stella hailed the continued success of the Calder United pathway and hopes to see further opportunities handed out.
“This Young Matildas selection for Fiorina and Nat is a tremendous achievement for both players and for the entire Calder-Western United family,” she said.
“The aim of our partnership has always been to elevate opportunities for young female footballers in enter the elite space, and we are immensely proud of Fi and Nat for all of the work they have put in.
“We wish them both all the very best in camp and look forward to more opportunities being given to players in our Calder system.”
Western United Liberty A-League Assistant Coach Helen Winterburn will also be involved in the camp, continuing as part of the coaching staff.
The training camp will lead Johnson and Winterburn into the start of pre-season in early September, while Iaria and Picak will return to Calder United for NPLW Victoria Finals.
Header image credit: Football Australia
