A Hobart teenager and talented soccer player has been selected for the Junior Matildas extended squad.
Originally from the United States, 16-year-old Emily Navabpour, currently plays for South Hobart after moving to Tasmania with her family last year.
The centre back recently competed in Tasmania’s under 16 girls’ team at the National Youth Championships in Wollongong and will now jet off to the domestic camp in Canberra next week.
“It was an honour to be able to represent Tasmania at the National Youth Championships this year, especially after moving here a year ago from the United States,” Navabpour said.
“Nationals were a great experience where I was able to play against some very high-level teams and compare myself to other girls my age across the country.”
“I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the CommBank Junior Matildas program and to be able to be coached by high level coaches and meet the other girls selected who I played against at Nationals this year.”
“My aspirations are to play at the highest level of professional soccer in Australia, as well as represent Australia on an international level.”
Football Tasmania’s Football Development Manager David Smith said Navabpour’s inclusion was a great reward for her hard work over the past 12 months at South Hobart Football Club and in the State team program.
“It is a real incentive for our Talent Support Program program to have a player selected into a national training camp, after being identified at the National Youth Championships,” Smith said.
“This will have a very positive effect for both female and male players moving forward as we look to provide more opportunities for Tasmanian players.”
