OFF the back of her National Youth Championships performance last month, Hobart’s Emily Navabpour has been called up to the CommBank Junior Matildas extended squad, Football Australia announced today.
Navabpour has been selected in the Commbank Junior Matildas Camp Squad, for the domestic camp to be held in Canberra next week.
The centre back, who plays for South Hobart, recently competed in Tasmania’s Under 16 girls’ team at the National Youth Championships in Wollongong.
“It was an honour to be able to represent Tasmania at the National Youth Championships this year, especially after moving here a year ago from the United States,” she said.
“Nationals were a great experience where I was able to play against some very high-level teams and compare myself to other girls my age across the country.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the CommBank Junior Matildas program and to be able to be coached by high level coaches and meet the other girls selected who I played against at Nationals this year.
“My aspirations are to play at the highest level of professional soccer in Australia, as well as represent Australia on an international level.”
Football Tasmania’s Football Development Manager David Smith said Navabpour’s inclusion was a great reward for her hard work over the past 12 months at South Hobart Football Club and in the State team program.
“It is a real incentive for our Talent Support Program program to have a player selected into a national training camp, after being identified at the National Youth Championships,” he said.
“This will have a very positive effect for both female and male players moving forward as we look to provide more opportunities for Tasmanian players.”
South Hobart head WSL coach Alastair Russell said Navabpour had worked hard to earn her success.
“Being a young centre back in the top flight [WSL] is a very difficult role, but she has worked very hard to develop as a player and earned her success," he said.
“The most exciting thing is that this is just the start for her. She is also a wonderful young woman who has been helped by a very supportive family and this recognition is for them too.
“We wish her all the very best for the camp next week.”