A chance at glory

Twelve NSWIS footballers have been given a chance to stake their claim at women’s football glory after being named in the Australian Matildas squad for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Thirty-three of Australia’s best female footballers will take part in a four day camp to assist in determining the 21 strong squad that will be sent to Germany to contest the cup.

Among the NSWIS athletes vying for selection are Hayley Crawford, who returns to Matildas colours after eight years and young guns Caitlin Foord and Teigen Allen, who have shown that age is no barrier when it comes to talent.

The 12 NSWIS athletes attending the camp are: Crawford, Foord, Allen, Michelle Heyman, Ellyse Perry, Servet Uzunlar, Kyah Simon, Kylie Ledbrook, Leena Khamis, Danielle Brogan, Heather Garriock and Sarah Walsh.

Australia will face Brazil, Norway and Equitorial Guinea in Group D of the tournament, which takes place from 26 June – 17 July in Germany.

Elsewhere, squad members Simon and Garriock were rewarded for their outstanding domestic season work by picking up a number of awards at the Johnny Warren Medal over the weekend.

Simon was named the Julie Dolan Medal winner as the W-League’s Player of the Year, as well as the Young Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Golden Boot Winner.

Garriock was crowned with Goal of the Year honours, while NSWIS Women’s Head Coach Alen Stajcic was named W-League Coach of the Year.