WAIS-AIS football scholarship holders Lisa De Vanna, Collette McCallum and Samantha Kerr have been named in the Matildas squad for the up-coming tour matches against the New Zealand Football Ferns.
The Matildas – who are preparing for May’s Asian Cup qualifying tournament in Chengdu, China – will go head to head with New Zealand on the 17th and 20th of February, with both matches to be played in Auckland.
De Vanna, McCallum and Kerr all played for Perth Glory in the 2009 W-League campaign, and will be joined by a fourth West Australian and Glory teammate in Katie Gill.
For Kerr, the trip to New Zealand will be her first matches against the senior Football Ferns, with the 16 year-old looking to make an impression in the infancy of her international career.
Kerr caught attention after debuting against Italy last year before taking out the prestigious Players’ Player Award for the 2009 W-League after a stellar campaign with the Glory.
WAIS women’s football head coach John Gibson commented that the selection of three scholarship holders is recognition of the hard work the entire squad displays.
“Obviously it’s fantastic news for the girls, but it’s also thoroughly deserved,” he said. “They put in the hard yards and it’s a really positive reflection for the entire squad of where this pathway can lead.”
With the Asian Cup Qualifier also doubling as the qualification tournament for the 2011 World Cup in Germany, Matildas coach Tom Sermanni is happy with the developing depth in the Australian squad.
“The squad that will travel to New Zealand has a great depth of talent,” said Sermanni.
“Since 2008 we have been in a rebuilding phase for the Westfield Matildas following the retirement of some key players.”
“We’ve got a great mix of experience and youth in this group of players and this blend is sure to serve us well as we continue our progress towards a fifth successive World Cup appearance,” finished Sermanni.”
