MiniRoos from Rams and Kolts get up and close with Matildas during training session

THE Matildas had the excited players of the Rouse Hill Rams and Kellyville Kolts waltzing for joy after meeting their footballing heroes at the Valentine Sports Park in Glenwood.

Matildas stars Casey Dumont and Stephanie Catley with Evie Pedder of Rouse Hill Rams. Pictures: Football NSW

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THE Matildas footballers had the excited junior female players of the Rouse Hill Rams and Kellyville Kolts waltzing for joy after meeting their heroes at the Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood.

The AIA Vitality MiniRoos — aged between 8-10 years — had the opportunity of picking up rare tips from the Rio Olympics-bound Matildas while training under Football NSW coaches led by former Australian international Servet Uzunlar.

The Matildas are ranked fifth in the world and are strong contenders for medals at the Olympics.

The Matildas signing autographs for Rouse Hill Rams.

The Matildas.

Rouse Hill Rams spokeswoman Emma Ashley said it was an amazing experience for the players who had the rare opportunity of speaking to the Matildas stars and getting pictures with them plus having their boots, shin pads, and shirts signed by their favourite players.

“We had around 100 girls for the event and the star struck girls will never forget what was a very special evening it was,” Ashley said.

Matilda stars included Lisa De Vanna, Michelle Heyman, Ellie Carpenter and Claire Polkinghorne while Quakers Hill local Kyah Simon is still in the US playing for the Boston Breakers.

The Matildas signing autographs for Kellyville Kolts.

Rams’ junior Hannah Aldred had her boots signed by some of the Matildas and now wants her mum to buy her a new set of boots as she does not want to use the signed pair.

“Mum, that was so awesome and one day I want to be a Matilda and teach kids how to play like they did with me tonight,” Hannah said. “Ellie (Carpenter) was so nice and now I want to be a Matilda.”

Evie Pedder is treasuring her teeshirt which was signed by all attending Matildas and has no plans to wash it.

RH Rams training drills.

The girls rounded off their evening by watching the Matildas take on the Emerging Jets under-15 and under-16 teams in a friendly.

The Matildas’ Ellie Carpenter puts some of the Rouse Hill Rams through their drills.

“The young girls were clearly enthralled by their new coaches and the excitement was palpable,” Ashley said.

“Soon after, it was bedlam, as the Matildas signed autographs on posters, shin pads, shirts, and boots, and posed for photos with the girls.”

The players who attended were: Caitlin Cooper, Caitlin Foord, Caitlin Munoz, Casey Dumont, Chloe Logarzo, Clare Polkinghorne, Ellie Carpenter, Emily Gielnik, Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Katrina Gorry, Larissa Crummer, Lisa De Vanna, Mackenzie Arnold, Michelle Heyman, Princess Ibin-Iesi, Tara Andrews and Teigen Allen.