Tasmanian women’s state team named for Calder United clash

Football Tasmania has announced senior and youth women’s Tasmanian squads to play against Calder United in Launceston on Thursday, 22 April.

The matches will be played as curtain raisers before Western United host Wellington Phoenix in the A-League at UTAS Stadium as part of the Festival of Football.

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.

“Football is Tasmania’s most played team sport, and we are proud to lead the nation as the state with the highest proportion of female players in Australia at 28 per cent.

“As our participation continues to grow, we are committed to offering our talented players more exposure and pathways to the highest levels of the game, and it’s great the selected players will have the opportunity to test their skills against quality opposition in Calder United.

“It’s not often local players get to play at venues the size and quality of UTAS Stadium, and we’re expecting a strong crowd with the A-League match between Western United and Wellington Phoenix to be played afterwards.

“Football Australia’s Women’s Technical Advisor and Head Coach of the U17 Junior Matildas Rae Dower will be also in attendance, giving an added incentive for Holly Bonertz-Benn, Kate Bonertz-Benn, Eloise Paine and Jessica McCallum-Smith – who have all been selected in the initial Junior Matildas squad – to put their best foot forward.

“On behalf of Football Tasmania I’d like to congratulate all the selected players for being chosen to represent their state and I encourage them to make the most of the opportunity.

“I’d also like to thank Tasmanian Hand Sanitiser and UPC/AC Renewables Australia for coming on board to support both teams and helping make this special occasion happen.

“I encourage all Tasmanian sports fans to come and experience a taste of elite level football in Launceston next week, and to cheer on our Tasmanian squads as they take on Calder United.”

The Senior and Youth Tasmanian Women’s squads are named below: