How FA will keep Future Matildas primed for U20s Asian Cup during lengthy A-League off-season

Future Matildas will be given the rare opportunity to train with current stars as Football Australia looks to find a way to keep players competitive during the lengthy A-League’s Women’s offseason.

Future Matildas will be given the rare opportunity to train alongside current stars as Football Australia looks to find a way to keep all players competitive during the lengthy A-League’s Women’s offseason.

The Future Matildas program provides a select group of promising young players an opportunity to keep training in a high performance environment during when their domestic clubs shut down.

Unlike the men’s teams, ALW players are only contracted for on average nine months of the year - meaning they don’t have access to training programs during their offseason.

It certainly isn’t ideal for the Young Matildas who will jet off for Tajikistan for the U20s AFC Asian Cup in August.

Young Matildas Camp at Blacktown International Sports Park. Picture: Football Australia

Players will be training just as if they would during a regular season - with sessions once or twice a day, recovery sessions, strength and conditioning and then access to medical staff and wellbeing resources.

Out of season Matildas players, such as Tameka Yallop, Michelle Heyman and Natasha Prior, will also have access to the program, staff and facilities - providing a rare opportunity for the next generation to learn from their idols.

Newly appointed Young Matildas coach Alex Epakis will be at the helm as the Technical and Program Lead for the program running from May 12 to September when most clubs’ pre-season starts.

Young Matildas coach Alex Epakis will be at the helm. Picture: Damian Briggs/Football Australia

“Ultimately in a utopian world we would like the A-Leagues’ season to be longer but that’s around the corner, we needed to do something now to make sure we’re proactive,” Epakis said.

“This program is designed to provide high level training, professional support to all our identified players.

“It’s not just about on field play, it’s holistic. We have a wellbeing manager, sports psychologist, sports dietician and nutritionist, sports science and medical.”

With the majority of players also playing in the NPLW NSW competition the program will be run out of Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology Hub - better known as BEST, as opposed to the purpose built $101 million Home of the Matildas facility in Melbourne.

“It is a very high performance based structure,” Epakis said.

“They’ve got recovery pools, physio on site, we’ve got change rooms, accommodation if required, access to the pitch, access to the gym and seminar rooms.

“It’s rare to find a facility that can do all of those things at a good level.

“We want the program to have a really strong professional feel about it.”

Roar and Matildas star Tameka Yallop is among the established stars with access to the off-season program. Picture: Getty Images

Epakis said having a number of current Matildas join the program in their offseason would be a “priceless” experience for the younger players.

“Some players get the opportunity to play against them in the ALW, but the chance to train with them day in and day out over a large period of time is the ultimate learning experience,” Epakis said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing some of these Matildas players coming in and leaving a piece of information, leaving some connection to support the younger ones.”

A number of the Matildas have gone through the program including Kyra Cooney-Cross, Clare Hunt, Charli Grant and Sharn Freier.

Melbourne City’s Bryleeh Henry is among those who have been in the program. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne City forward and Matildas player Bryleeh Henry has taken part in the program since 2021.

Henry said the program had been vital to her growth as a footballer.

“Providing 12 months of continuous training is essential for both personal and professional development, and this program goes well beyond just football,” Henry said.

“Alongside focused training sessions, we have access to Pilates, nutrition advice, wellbeing support, and even life skills like cooking, which really helped my transition away from home to pursue my career.

“It’s not just about learning how to be a better player, it’s about learning how to live and operate like a professional.

“What stands out most is the environment; it’s challenging but enjoyable, and the people involved are incredibly dedicated and supportive.”