Future Matildas: Western Australia’s next wave of soccer talent could see Sam Kerr levels

It is the incredible achievements of Kerr, who built the foundations of her career in Western Australia, that have helped enhanced the game in this country and inspired so many youngsters to kick the ball around.

And among those football participants are a number of exciting up-and-comers from Western Australia who are knocking on the door of one day being like Kerr.

See the list of the young Western Australian footballers shining bright.

Jessica Skinner

Position: Goalkeeper

Local club: Football West NTC

The 16-year-old is an incredible athlete who has the ability to pull off great saves both low and high. The Junior Matildas representative is also strong with claiming crosses and has a presence which creates calmness for the backline.

Ruby Cuthbert

Position: Centre back

Local club: Football West NTC

At the age of 16, Cuthbert is already playing at open age NPL senior level and is the Junior Matildas captain. The centre back is a natural leader who has captained every side she has played in through the Hyundai NTC program. Cuthbert is strong at reading the game in and out of possession, has calmness on the ball and a great work rate to continue developing.

Ischia Brooking

Position: Midfielder

Local club: Football West NTC

The 15-year-old Junior Matilda is a bright prospect who plays at an open age senior level in the local NPL competition in WA. The midfielder won the player of the tournament at the 2022 under-16 National Youth Championships at the age of 14. Brooking has the ability to beat her opposition, whether that‘s in tight spaces or simply driving past her opposition at speed. She is also able to create scoring opportunities both inside and outside the box. Sources close to Brooking suggest she is the most promising talent out of WA since Sam Kerr.

Georgia Cassidy

Position: Defensive midfielder

Local club: Football West NTC

If you saw Cassidy in action, you will quickly realise how well she is able to pass the ball. The defensive midfielder has the ability to completely switch the play with both feet and can score from long range too. The Young Matildas capped player is also promising with set pieces and has gained a contract with A-League Women’s side Perth Glory for this season.

Grace Johnson

Position: Midfielder

Local club: Football West NTC

The Perth Glory contracted player has the ability to create many opportunities for her teammates and is able to score from long range on a consistent basis. Johnson noticeably has a strong work rate on and off the ball and has represented the Young Matildas at camps before.

Tanika lala

Position: Striker

Local club: Football West NTC

The speedy striker joined the NTC program after moving from the regional area of Kalgoorlie. Her pace gets her into many goal scoring opportunities which makes her a constant threat. Iala not only converts chances but also provides excellent link up play with her teammates in front of goal. The 2022 WA NPL Young Female Player of the Year winner is an exciting prospect and could feature for Perth Glory where she has picked up a contract for this season. Iala has also been on Young Matilda camps before.

Jessica Johnson

Position: Midfielder

Local club: Murdoch Melville

The 14-year-old is an attacking midfielder with great skills, elegance and an eye for goal. Johnson is known to be strong in one-on-ones and has scored 11 goals so far in the WNPL season in WA.

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Daanyal Saeed

Position: Midfielder

Local club: Football West NTC

A player with good vision who works hard and is physically tough in the midfield. Reynolds is 14-years-old and has a bright future ahead.

Originally published as Future Matildas: Western Australia’s next wave of soccer talent could see Sam Kerr levels