Indigenous football prodigy Evans named Young Matildas vice-captain

Indigenous footballer Shay Evans has been named vice-captain of the Young Matildas squad set to compete at the 2019 AFC U-19 Women's Championship in Thailand.

The 18-year-old sensation will lead her country hoping to secure a top-three finish and subsequent qualification through to next year's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney hailed Evans' ability to lead by example, making note of the respect the Sydney FC striker already commands from her teammates.

"Shay leads by example, she works hard with pure passion and dedication to the team," Blayney said.

"She has a great relationship with all the girls and is highly respected by all staff and players. She is a great role model."

Having made her Young Matildas debut last year, Evans' rise remains a testament to her roots as a long-time member of the John Moriarty Football program.

"Shay continues to impress as her star continues to rise, thanks to her talent and hard work, and to everyone back in Borroloola and in Sydney who has supported her journey," said John Moriarty, the program's co-founder.

"The way she conducts herself is a credit to her and being named vice-captain is a reward for her, and another example of the role model she has become for so many young footballers."

The Young Matildas' continental campaign kicks off on October 27, with North Korea their first opponent in Group A.