CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships 2025: Day Two Wrap

Day Two of the 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships delivered another thrilling chapter in the nation’s premier youth tournament.

Players were greeted with a frosty morning in Sydney’s west as teams continue to battle against each other to secure the best possible position in their group with few matches remaining to stake a claim for finals football.

Despite the brisk winter conditions in Glenwood, the energy on the field was palpable. Spectators filled the sidelines, creating a lively atmosphere as families, scouts and National Team coaches watched the opening matches of the group stage unfold.

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Former Matildas meet on the sidelines

There was a familiar sense of rivalry on the sidelines of Valentine Sports Park today and not just between NSW Sky and Northern NSW, but between two former Matildas teammates who are now guiding the next generation from opposite dugouts.

Alicia Ferguson, head coach of the Northern NSW Under 16s, came up against former CommBank Matildas teammate Anissa Tann, who is leading the NSW Sky side at this year’s CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships.

In a tightly contested clash, it was Tann’s NSW Sky outfit that won the encounter 1-0, with Ferguson reflecting on both the match and the unique occasion with a smile.

“It’s always a grudge match between Northern and NSW,” Ferguson said.

“But coaching against my old Tillies teammate that was pretty special. Anissa is such a student of the game, so it was great to see how her team approached things.”

Despite the narrow loss, Ferguson was full of praise for her squad.

“I was so proud of the girls. Their attitude, their intent, the way they stuck to the game plan it was brilliant. We conceded off a set piece again, which is a bit disappointing, but we’ll keep building.”

While the result didn’t go their way, Ferguson sees the bigger picture and few are better placed to speak to the value of this tournament than someone who came through it herself.

“I remember playing nationals here back in the day,” she laughed.

“Tournament football is just completely different to week-in, week-out games. You’ve got to manage fatigue, player minutes, injuries and quickly move on from one result to the next. That’s huge for young players.”

It’s a learning curve she knows well, and one she’s helping her squad navigate both on and off the pitch.

“We had a two-day camp before the championships which really helped.

“It gave us a chance to understand each other like how we want to play, how we want to approach the games. They’re a close group, they’ve played together a bit now, and you can see that connection building.”

“They’re not loving the cold pool recovery sessions. But it’s all part of them taking responsibility for their own preparation. Their attitude to that side of things has really impressed me.”

Parents Step into High-Performance Journey

While the spotlight was firmly on the players at the 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships, a different kind of preparation was taking place off the pitch, this time for the parents.

Over 100 people attended a dedicated Parent Workshop held alongside the tournament, designed to support families navigating the complex world of high-performance football.

From shifting roles and adapting to change, to having meaningful conversations and tackling the unknowns, the session guided parents through the realities of helping a young athlete through elite sport.

The workshop focused on key transitions in a player’s pathway and the often-overlooked challenges parents face from letting go of control to staying connected through change.

Attendees left with a clearer understanding of what lies ahead, and how to strengthen the role they already play in their child’s development both on and off the pitch because behind every promising footballer is a support system doing the hard work in the background.

Football for Everyone

A group of young people from Melrose Park Football Club and SydWest Multicultural Services had a football experience to remember today at the CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships joining the action in what was, for many, their first time watching live football.

The visit was part of ����Ӱ��’s ongoing commitment to ensuring football is accessible and welcoming for all — especially young people from refugee and multicultural backgrounds.

Across the day, the groups soaked in the tournament atmosphere, shared meals, chatted with staff, and cheered on players from the sidelines including catching the tail-end of Malaysia vs NT and the Charlie Perkins XI clash.

As an added highlight, each participant received their own official Player worn donated through ����Ӱ�� staff and the Professional Footballers Association.

“This was really about showing them that football is for everyone,” said Lizzie O’Connor, ����Ӱ��’s National CALD Program Coordinator.

“For a few of them, this was their first time seeing live football. It’s happening right on their doorstep, and we want them to know they’re welcome whether they’re playing, watching, or just enjoying the community around the game.

“It was great to see them asking questions about the game, engaging with what was happening on the pitch, and just having fun in the sun.

“We had really positive feedback from the youth workers too and they’re keen to keep the connection going and explore more ways to get involved.”