Future Matildas 2025 Boosts Green & Gold Pathway

Football Australia is pleased to announce the initial scholarship holders for the 2025 Future Matildas program, further cementing its commitment to developing Australia's most promising footballers through a high quality, full-time high-performance environment.

Established in 2018, the Future Matildas Program plays a critical role in the national team pathway, preparing the country's best U-20 and U-23 athletes to step into international football with confidence.

In 2025, the program has been expanded with additional high-performance staff, enhanced facilities, and an increased focus on competitive match play, ensuring a world-class development experience.

Since its inception, the program has been influential in developing players who have progressed on to represent the CommBank Matildas at the highest level, including Clare Hunt, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Charlotte Grant and more recently with Sharn Freier, Daniela Galic, Chloe Lincoln and Alana Murphy.

Alex Epakis, Technical and Program Lead, said the growth of the program reflects Football Australia's strategic focus on sustaining the women's football pathway and building for the future.

"The Future Matildas program is essential to our player development strategy, and in 2025 we have expanded both its scope and quality," Epakis said. "We have strengthened the coaching and support teams, enhanced athlete wellbeing services, and increased the number of high-level fixtures to mirror the demands of senior international football."

"This program is designed with alignment in mind. Everything from the training methodology to the style of play is connected to the CommBank Matildas' philosophy, making the transition to senior football as seamless as possible."

"The success of players like Clare Hunt and Kyra Cooney-Cross, who progressed through this program to become key figures in the CommBank Matildas squad, demonstrates the tangible impact of the Future Matildas.

"Witnessing six players from the last cohort make their senior debuts over the past 12-18 months underscores the importance of our focus on delivering the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological preparation that enables players to excel at the highest level," Epakis concluded.

The program will also be available to support CommBank Matildas players during their off-season when based in Australia between club commitments. Senior players will have access to the full suite of high-performance services including strength and conditioning, medical, and wellbeing resources, ensuring they remain in peak condition year-round.

CommBank Matildas forward Bryleeh Henry (cap #217), a participant in the program since 2021, said the year-round support has been crucial to her growth.

"Being part of the Future Matildas program has had a huge impact on my journey," Henry said. "It helped prepare me for my Matildas debut and having that kind of high-performance support around me every day made a real difference."

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

"I can't speak highly enough of this program. Every session demands your best, and that constant pressure helps you grow not just as a player, but as a competitor, it has played a pivotal role in my career and personal growth," Henry concluded.

The 2025 Program sees the return of key staff including Head Coach, Kory Babington and Goalkeeper Coach, Trudy Simmons, supported by an experienced high-performance, medical, and wellbeing team members.

This year's enhancements include upgraded recovery and gym facilities, expanded tactical analysis sessions, and a refined focus on developing the playing style in preparation for upcoming youth national team qualifiers.

Following the completion of their respective Ninja A-League seasons, the selected players will take a mandatory two week break before joining the program.

The first intake of athletes will commence on Monday, 12 May in Sydney.

2025 FUTURE MATILDAS PROGRAM | ATHLETES LIST