For the first time in 2012, the Westfield Matildas head into camp from Thursday, 22 March to Sunday, 25 March in Wollongong.

Coach Tom Sermanni has selected a mix of established, fringe and Young Matildas in the 27 player strong squad.  

"The main aim of this camp is just starting up again and its probably the start of looking forward to 2015," said Sermanni.

It also sees the return of some familiar names from long term injury with striker Kate Gill and midfielder Lauren Colthorpe also gaining a berth.  It is the first traning camp for Gill who sustained a season ending knee injury on the eve of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, while Colthorpe also returns from a long term knee related injury.

Other players have been rewarded for strong performances in the Westfield W-League with Canberra's championship winning central defensive unit of Ellie Brush and Caitin Cooper, Sydney pair Danielle Brogan and Teresa Polias returning to the Matildas fold.

Several Young Matildas will also get their first taste of the senior national team with Alanna Kennedy, Ashley Brown, Stephanie Catley and Katrina Gorry just a few names whose standout W-League performance have earned a call up.

"Nobody was picked just to make up the numbers.  The ones that we have picked, particularly younger players are ones that we think have the talent to perhaps be in the team in 2015."

"We are bringing in some new faces and some younger players who performed very well in the W-League."

Several Matildas are missing from the camp with their club committments overseas including Michelle Heyman, Aivi Luik, Leena Khamis, Kim Carroll, Lisa De Vanna and Lydia Williams. While goalkeeping duo Melissa Barbieri are still recovering from injury.

ALLEN, Teigen ANDREWS, Tara
ARNOLD, Mackenzie BROGAN, Danielle
BROWN, Ashley (U 18) BRUSH, Ellie
BUTT, Tameka CANNULI, Catherine
CATLEY, Stephanie CHECKER, Emma
COLTHORPE, Lauren COOPER, Caitlin
DAVEY, Briana FOORD, Caitlin
GARRIOCK, Heather GORRY, Katrina
GILL, Kate KENNEDY, Alanna
McLAREN, Sian POLIAS, Teresa
POLKINGHORNE, Clare POPOVIC, Vedrana
SIMON, Kyah SLATYER, Thea
UZUNLAR, Servet VAN EGMOND, Emily
WALSH, Sarah  

SCHEDULE

  • Friday morning will be a training session (venue TBA) 10am to 12 noon, Afternoon training session will be 2pm until 4pm.

  • Friday night the team will have dinner at the Fraternity Club Fairy Meadow.

  • Saturday 10am Training with local juniors involved 1 hour session and signings 11am Training session including Stingray juniors and competition winners

  • Saturday afternoon Exhibition game between players at Venue TBA

  • Saturday night Dinner function at Chifley for local people and businesses. Includes interviews and photo opportunities

  • Sunday morning training at a venue to be announced