Cooper names CommBank Junior Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach Michael Cooper has selected a 27-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Canberra.

The camp forms a crucial part of the team’s preparations for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 this May, where Australia will face Japan, India and Lebanon in Group B. A top four finish offers qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™.

Members selected for this training camp have been identified based on strong performances in the qualification tournament as well as impressive showings in the National Premier Leagues competitions and state-based development programs.

Sixteen members of the squad were part of the roster who successfully topped Group E in AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualification. 

Michael Cooper said the team will use this camp to build on its recent momentum.

“This group has had success with victory in the ASEAN U16 Girls’ Championship and topping Group E in AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualification. We’re looking forward to using this camp to ensure we continue our high standard of performance.

“We’ve got a wonderful balance in this squad of new and returning faces giving us both a platform of stability and the opportunity to challenge all players involved in the camp.

“From day one it has been our goal to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Morocco 2026™ and with the group stage opponents now confirmed, we can tailor our work in Canberra to give the players every opportunity to prepare in the best possible way for the upcoming AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.”

The AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 will kick-off on Saturday, 2 May 2026, with Australia opening its campaign against India.