Stirton confirms CommBank ParaMatildas squad for inaugural IFCPF Women's World Cup

Commonwealth Bank ParaMatildas head coach Kelly Stirton has named a 10-player squad to compete in the inaugural IFCPF Women’s World Cup in Salou, Spain.

Running from 11 May to 17 May 2022, Australia will commence their maiden campaign against the Netherlands on 11 May 2022 with kick off at 12:45 CEST / 8.45pm AET.

Australia’s squad features players from Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales with two goalkeepers and eight outfield players for the 5-a-side modified competition.

Stirton expressed her delight in selecting the first squad to represent the CommBank ParaMatildas on the international stage.

CommBank ParaMatildas in training camp, May 2022. (Photo: Ann Odong / Football Australia)
CommBank ParaMatildas in training camp, May 2022. (Photo: Ann Odong / Football Australia)

“With the selection of the first CommBank ParaMatildas squad, this is an exciting time for these players who have been working towards this goal for the longest time. They are ready to make history for our nation,” Stirton said.

“It was certainly a difficult process and through their efforts, the players have made this a real challenge to select the final squad.

“This is a squad with many strengths including leadership, speed and agility. We have a lot of girls with para sports backgrounds meaning we have a quick squad, which is going to be a danger when we break behind those lines of defence. Our positive attitude as a squad is also one to watch out for, we have that UNDEFEATED resilience.”

The squad ranges from the youngest team member, 15-year-old Charlize Tran to the experienced Nicole Christodoulou and Matilda Mason. It also includes two Paralympians in Georgia Beikhoff and Rae Anderson, with Anderson recently competing at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics.

The side will be co-captained by Georgia Beikhoff and Eloise Northam with the duo handed their jerseys by former Matildas captain and Legacy ’23 ambassador, Julie Dolan and former vice-captain Moya Dodd in a jersey ceremony that included CommBank Junior Matildas head coach Rae Dower and seven Future Matildas players.

“We are heading to Spain to play for each other and our country. The players may be individuals off the field but when they are on the field, they are one. The team has shown me that obstacles put in front of them can be overcome by working together as a team.”

“I would also like to make special mention of the players that have helped us prepare for the tournament, especially Emily O’Sullivan and Rachel Tolson who have been here in our pre-departure camp. All the players who have been a part of this journey are a part of the CommBank ParaMatildas history.”

After the opening clash, the pool matches will continue in quick succession with Australia taking on Japan (13 May), hosts Spain (14 May) and the United States (15 May) to close out the fixtures.

Following the round-robin stage, the top two nations will challenge for the championship while the bronze medal match will feature the third and fourth-placed teams.

The CommBank ParaMatildas games will be broadcast on the My Football YouTube channel, while tournament match scheduling and results can be accessed here

Supporters can follow the journey of the ParaMatildas to the IFCPF Women’s World Cup through their website and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  

COMMBANK PARAMATILDAS SQUAD | 2022 IFCPF WOMEN’S WORLD CUP  

NO. 

NAME 

AGE 

CITY, STATE 

CLASSIFICATION 

1 (GK)  

Holly SAUNDERS 

19  

Sydney, NSW  

FT1 

2  

Nicole CHRISTODOULOU 

30  

Sydney, NSW  

FT2 

3  

Tahlia BLANSHARD 

21  

Jilliby, NSW  

FT2 

4  

Charlize TRAN 

15  

Sydney, NSW  

FT2 

5  

Lainee HARRISON 

18  

Newcastle, NSW  

TBC 

6 (GK)  

Katelyn SMITH 

26  

Perth, WA  

TBC 

7  

Eloise NORTHAM 

19  

Sydney, NSW  

TBC 

8  

Matilda MASON 

30  

Canberra, ACT  

FT2 

9  

Rae ANDERSON 

25  

Wamberal, NSW  

TBC 

10  

Georgia BEIKOFF 

29  

Newcastle, NSW  

FT2 

 

COMMBANK PARAMATILDAS | GROUP MATCH SCHEDULE 

Australia v Netherlands
Date: Wednesday, 11 May 2022
Venue: Futbol Salou Field 8
Kick-Off: 12.45pm CEST / 8.45pm AEST

Australia v Japan
Date: Friday, 13 May 2022
Venue: Futbol Salou Field 8
Kick-Off: 9.45am CEST / 5.45pm AEST

Australia v Spain
Date: Saturday, 14 May 2022
Venue: Futbol Salou Field 8
Kick-Off: 12.45pm CEST / 8.45pm AEST

Australia v United States of America
Date: Sunday, 15 May 2022
Venue: Futbol Salou Field 8
Kick-Off: 12.45pm CEST / 8.45pm AEST