Football Australia has appointed Emily Husband as Head Coach of the CommBank Junior Matildas, effective after the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™.
Husband succeeds Michael Cooper, who will transition into Football Australia’s new Pathways and Talent ID Lead role, helping to strengthen player development pathways and talent identification across Australian football.
One of the most exciting coaching talents in Australian football, Husband led Central Coast Mariners to the 2024/25 Ninja A-League Championship and was named 2023/24 Ninja A-League Coach of the Year. She joined the CommBank Matildas coaching staff as Assistant Coach in 2025 and will remain in that role alongside her new position until after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™, supporting alignment between the senior and youth national teams.
Quote attributable to incoming CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach, Emily Husband:
“I’m incredibly excited and honoured to take on the role of Head Coach of the CommBank Junior Matildas.
“Youth national teams play an important role in the development of our players, not only in preparing them for the demands of international football, but also in helping them build the confidence, resilience and standards required to succeed at the highest level.
“Michael has done a fantastic job with this group, and I want to acknowledge the work he has put into developing these players. Australia has an exciting pool of emerging talent, and I’m looking forward to working with the players and staff to continue that development and help prepare the next generation of CommBank Matildas.”
Quote attributable to outgoing CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach, Michael Cooper:
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed coaching the CommBank Junior Matildas and am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, particularly qualifying for Australia’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“I’m excited to coach the team for this final tournament and help the players make the most of this opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage.
“The team is in excellent hands with Em. She has an outstanding football mind, a proven track record and a great ability to connect with players and bring out the best in them.
“I’m also looking forward to taking on the Pathways and Talent ID Lead role and contributing to Australian football in a different way, helping identify and develop talented players across the country and strengthen the pathways that support their progression.”
Quote attributable to Football Australia Executive Director of Football, Heather Garriock:
“We’re delighted to appoint Emily to lead the CommBank Junior Matildas and Michael to take on this important new role. Both bring tremendous experience and expertise to key areas of Australian football.
“Emily has demonstrated her quality in the domestic game and at international level, while Michael’s experience will be invaluable in strengthening how we identify and develop emerging players.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to building a connected pathway from junior national teams through to the CommBank Matildas, ensuring we continue to create opportunities for the next generation of Australian footballers.”
Before Husband officially takes charge, the CommBank Junior Matildas will compete at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™, running from 17 October to 7 November, after qualifying for the tournament for the first time in the program’s history.
Australia will open its Group F campaign against Chile on 19 October in Salé, Morocco, before facing two-time champions Spain and Mexico. The tournament provides a significant opportunity for the next generation of Australian footballers to test themselves against the world’s best and gain valuable international experience.
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™ | MATCH SCHEDULE | GROUP F
CommBank Junior Matildas v Chile
Date: Monday, 19 October 2026 (Local)/ Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (AEDT)
Time: 6.00pm (Local)/ 5.00am (AEDT)
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Academy, Salé, Morocco
Spain v CommBank Junior Matildas
Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026 (Local)/ Friday, 23 October 2026 (AEDT)
Time: 3.00pm (Local)/ 2.00am (AEDT)
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Academy, Salé, Morocco
Mexico v CommBank Junior Matildas
Date: Sunday, 25 October 2026 (Local)/ Monday, 26 October 2026 (AEDT)
Time: 3.00pm (Local)/ 2.00am (AEDT)
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Academy, Salé, Morocco
