Tasmania’s most talented female footballers have been selected to represent their state.
A Tasmanian-select team will play against Western United Women’s Development Squad at UTAS Stadium on Tuesday 19 April, with the match to be followed by the A-League Men’s fixture between Western United and Macarthur FC.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley congratulated all selected players, saying it was a wonderful opportunity for them to represent their state and potentially open opportunities to play at a higher level.
“Being selected to represent your state a huge achievement and I congratulate all the players who have made the squad,” Mr Bulkeley said.
“The opportunity to play on a professional-level pitch in a stadium the size of UTAS will give these players a great taste of what it’s like at the highest levels of the game and hopefully inspire some to continue to chase their footballing dreams.
“Tasmania is leading the nation when it comes to participation rates for women and girls, with close to 30 per cent of registered players.
“With such a strong base, we’re focussed on providing greater exposure and pathways to the highest levels of the game and that’s why it’s so great to welcome Western United for this match.
“We’re looking forward to seeing a strong local crowd get behind the team in what is sure to be an exciting afternoon of football in Launceston, with the A-League Men’s fixture between Western United and Macarthur FC to follow the women’s match.”
WUFC Women’s Football Integration Manager Amanda Stella and Women’s Academy Coach Mark Torcaso said the Western United Women’s Development Squad was relishing the opportunity to test themselves against the Tasmanian side.
“Our development squad have been putting in the early morning training sessions since October last year so this is a well-deserved opportunity to come together to play a game representing the green and black on a big stage,” Ms Stella said.
“We are proud to be partnering with Football Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government to showcase female football prior to our A League Men’s game.”
"This amazing opportunity has been presented again to our female footballers and we couldn't be happier in supporting this great initiative and partnership between Tasmania and Western United," Mr Torcaso said.
"The chance to travel with the Men’s A-League team to Tassie and play in a curtain raiser is an opportunity of a lifetime. To be able to have a game against an exciting Tassie team on a big stage at a great ground is something we can’t wait for.
“It’s also exciting to have the opportunity to view some of Tasmania’s most talented female players, and is also a great opportunity for those young ladies. If they impress on the pitch you never know what could happen.”
