Young Matildas squad selected for 2016 AFF Women's Championships

A 23 player Young Matildas’ squad has been selected for this month's 2016 AFF Women’s Championship to be held in Mandalay, Myanmar from 26 July–4 August 2016.

Following on from the recent National Training Centre championships, the squad is dominated by New South Wales and Victorian players, with several players already notching up W-League experience under their belt. Strong performances at the NTC championship were rewarded with several players set to make their debuts at the U19 age group

[More: Young Matildas 2016 AFF Women’s Championships schedule]

2016 W-League Young Player of the Year nominee Princess Ibini headlines a squad that also includes Melbourne Victory Player of the Year Annabel Martin, Adelaide United key attacking midfielder Emily Condon, 2016 NTC Player of the Tournament Melindaj Barbieri, 2016 NTC Goalkeeper of the Tournament Annalee Grove and senior Matildas capped midfielder Alex Chidiac.

While squad has yet to be officially announced by the FFA, the selected players were informed earlier this week with FFV and Melbourne City congratulating their selected players.

There is no word yet as to the coach to lead the Young Matildas at the AFF Women's Championships with Ante Juric (the previous coach) no longer holding the post and the current coach, Gary van Egmond with the Matildas preparing for the Rio 2016 Olympics. The squad is due to head into camp in the coming week.

Australia will be making their third appearance at the AFF Women's Championships and will look to continue their record of medalling on each occasion.

[More: Australia’s U16 and U19 teams qualifiers released]

However, that will not be the top priority with the tournament an opportunity for the squad to prepare for the 2017 AFC Women’s U19 Championships qualifiers.

Drawn in Group B, Australia will face Malaysia in their opening match before taking on Timor-Leste and hosts and two time winners Myanmar to close out group play.

The top two nations from each group will qualify for the semi finals with the winners to meet in the final on 4 August 2016.

Young Matildas Squad – 2016 AFF Women's Championships

Eliza Ammendolia (NSW, Western Sydney Wanderers), Melina Ayres (VIC, Melbourne City), Hannah Bacon (NSW, Sydney FC), Melindaj Barbieri (VIC, Melbourne Victory), Hannah Bourke (NNSW, Newcastle Jets), Alexandra Chidiac (SA, Melbourne City), Emily Condon (SA, Adelaide United), Olivia Ellis (VIC, Melbourne City), Ally Green (NSW), Annalee Grove (NNSW), Clare Hunt (ACT), Princess Ibini-Isei (NSW, Sydney FC), Katelyn Leadbeatter (NSW), Ashleigh Lefvre (VIC), Annabel Martin (VIC, Melbourne Victory), Jada Mathyssen (NSW, Western Sydney Wanderers), Brooke Miller (NNSW, Newcastle Jets), Sophie Nenadovic (NNSW, Newcastle Jets), Georgia Plessas (NSW, Sydney FC), Hayley Richmond (VIC, Senior NTC)*, Hannah Southwell (NNSW, Newcastle Jets), Cortnee Vine (QLD, Brisbane Roar), Clare Wheeler (NNSW, Newcastle Jets)

* Injury replacement for Ashlee Brodigan (NNSW, Newcastle Jets)