The Future Matildas program was launched in 2018 to develop the next generation of Australia’s elite female footballers.
Since its inception, several program participants have gone on to represent Australia’s senior team, the Commonwealth Bank Matildas, including: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler, Charlotte Grant, Bryleeh Henry, Courtney Nevin, Jamilla Rankin, Karly Roestbakken and Remy Siemsen.
From April to October 2022, 30 Future Matildas’ scholarship holders from across Australia participate in four to five training sessions per week at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Blacktown City Council has funded $250,000 in venue upgrades to install storage facilities, additional dressing rooms, and a permanent meeting space/classroom for the Future Matildas to use exclusively.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said Council was proud to support up and coming female footballers through the Future Matildas program.
“Blacktown City is a proud sporting city and we have a long history of sporting excellence and the Blacktown International Sportspark is one of the best multi-sport venues in Western Sydney,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“The Future Matildas program is a wonderful initiative to support young women and girls develop the skills they need to rise to the top of the game.
“Women’s football is in a fantastic position in Australia currently, in particular in Western Sydney, and the future looks extremely bright.
“Council’s investment in the program just serves to highlight the commitment we have in Blacktown City to nurturing the growth of this next generation of women’s football talent.”
With the support of the NSW Institute of Sport and Football NSW, the NSW program of the Emerging Matildas is run by Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas (U20) Head Coach Leah Blayney, who said the support of Blacktown City Council has enhanced the program offering.
“Blacktown City Council and the team at Blacktown International Sportspark have been strong advocates of the Future Matildas program in New South Wales since its inception and share our vision of providing the best environment possible to drive the development of the country’s best female football talent,” said Leah Blayney.
