Three Greek Australians named on Junior Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach Michael Cooper has selected a 30-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Canberra. Among the names are three Australians of Hellenic heritage – Zoe Panagopoulos, Alexis Pantazopoulos and Keira Sarris.

The camp forms a crucial part of the team’s preparations for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ Qualifiers this October, where Australia will face Singapore and Northern Mariana Islands in Group E. All matches will take place at Bishan Stadium in Singapore, with qualification offering a pathway to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™.

Players selected for this training camp have been identified based on strong performances during the ASEAN U16 Girls’ Championship as well as standout showings in the National Premier Leagues competitions and state-based development programs.

Twenty members of the victorious ASEAN U16 Girls’ Championship roster have been named in the squad – including tournament MVP, Kaya Jugovic and Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Annabelle Croll – with ten new faces bringing additional depth and competition to the side.

The squad brings together a healthy mix of established talent at the U-17 age group and further identified prospects, with the new players coming from both Ninja A-League and National Premier Leagues clubs. 

Mike Cooper said he is looking forward to building on the team’s strong foundations in preparation for the qualification tournament.

“We are excited to bring this group together in Canberra as we begin the next phase of our journey toward the FIFA U-17 Women’s World cup Morocco 2026™,” Cooper said.

“We’ve selected a group that blends experience from the ASEAN U16 Girls’ Championship with exciting new faces who’ve impressed in their club environments. 

“This squad reflects the depth of talent emerging across our youth pathways and is a testament to the work being done by Member Federations and clubs around the country.

“This camp is a vital step in our preparation the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. It’s about building on the team’s strong foundations and giving every player the tools to thrive on the international stage.”

The AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers will kick-off on Monday, 13 October 2025, with Australia opening its campaign against Northern Mariana Islands before facing host nation Singapore on 17 October. The group winners advance to the finals.

COMMBANK JUNIOR MATILDAS | CANBERRA SQUAD | SEPTEMBER 2025