CommBank Pararoos Head Coach Kai Lammert has selected an exciting 18-player strong squad as they open Football Australia’s 2023 calendar of home internationals next month when they take on the USA at Cromer Park.
It will mark the CommBank Pararoos first international on home soil in three years as they welcome the world number four on Saturday, 4 February to Cromer Park, the home of Manly Warringah Football Association.
Lammert has called up a host of familiar faces with history making veteran captain David Barber, forward Ben Roche and midfielder Connor Marsh headlining a host of experienced names.
At the other end of the spectrum, several emerging players have been rewarded for strong performances at the 2022 National Para Football Championships, with six uncapped players in line to live out childhood dreams.
Lammert was pleased with the composition of the squad ahead of an important international against the United States.
“We believe we have selected a great squad for this upcoming training camp and international that provides an essential balance of experience and talented youth,” Lammert said.
“This is the first step in the preparation for our 2023 international calendar and we are looking for all players to enjoy the challenge playing against one of the top teams in CP football, gain some experience and hopefully learn from it as well.
“It’s very important for our preparation to have these internationals under our belt. We don’t get to play too many international matches, so it is extremely crucial for us and it’s an ideal for us to come up against quality opponents early in the year.”
Among the newest call ups are Victorian duo Kaylan Van Heer and Joshua Beekes with 16-year-old Van Heer named the 2022 Nationals Male Young Player of the Tournament, and Beekes receiving the 2022 Nationals FT3 Player of the Tournament. Perth based defender Rafferty Bacon and Canberra’s Luc Launder (2022 Nationals FT2 Player of the Tournament) will also be vying for their first caps in a squad with representation from the West Coast to the East Coast of Australia.
“For the new players, it’s always special for every player to pull on the Green and Gold and its extra special when you pull it on for the very first time,” Lammert said. “I can’t wait to see them out there as they have worked very hard for it, and they certainly deserve this opportunity.”
“We’re obviously playing to make sure we’re improving in every performance and our last performances against the USA, but still play our way of football. I’m sure the crowd will enjoy the great football game on February 4 at Cromer Park.”
The CommBank Pararoos will head into camp on Saturday, 28 January ahead of the international fixture.
Tickets are available at Ticketek with 100 per cent of ticket sales invested back into the CommBank Pararoos and nurturing the next generation of para footballers.
MATCH DETAILS
CommBank Pararoos v United States of America
Date: 4 February 2023
Location: Cromer Park
Kick-Off: 3.00pm (AEDT)
Tickets: Available via Ticketek (100 per cent of ticket sales invested back into the CommBank Pararoos)
