Future stars shine as CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships conclude in Sydney

NSW Sky and Victoria Blue have claimed national honours at the 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships which celebrated the next generation of Australian talent. 

Capping off a thrilling week of football at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney, spectators witnessed the crescendo of an action-packed week featuring teams from all nine of ����Ӱ��’s Member Federations and international guests Malaysia. Over the six days, 280 goals were scored in what is a testament to the attacking flair and promise on display from Australia’s next generation. 

CommBank Matildas Head Coach Joe Montemurro presented the championship trophies alongside Interim CEO Heather Garriock and a strong contingent of National Team staff and coaches who had been keeping a close eye on all the emerging talent. 

In the Under 15 Championship Final, NSW Sky secured back-to-back titles at the tournament with a dominant 4-1 victory over Northern NSW. Doubles from Jada Taylor and Tessa Young spurred the side to victory with Northern NSW collecting a late consolation goal through Matilda Fleming. 

In the Under 16 Championship Final, NSW Sky and Victoria Blue held a contest which kept those in attendance and the thousands watching on KommunityTV on the edge of their seats. NSW Sky hadn’t conceded a goal all tournament until the 26th minute of the Championship Match when Victoria Blue’s Alexis Pantazopoulos found the back of the net. The match remained in the balance with the final whistle eventually revealing the Victorians as winners in a tight 1-0 contest. 

Today’s matches were the conclusion of the 2025 CommBank Emerging Championships. The event brought together the nation’s top young male and female players who had the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of National Team coaches, while also gaining valuable education across all aspects of the game. 

Quotes attributable to ����Ӱ�� Interim CEO, Heather Garriock: 

“The CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships continue to deliver more football and better football — providing meaningful match minutes, national exposure, and a proven springboard to senior international honours. Players like Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, and Kyra Cooney-Cross have all come through this platform.” 

“This week, over 700 players and team staff from all nine Member Federations — together with our guests from Malaysia — have taken part across two age groups, demonstrating the depth and diversity of emerging talent.” 

“It has been invaluable having all our national women’s team coaches present — including Matildas Head Coach Joe Montemurro — providing players with a direct opportunity to be seen and assessed as part of a connected national pathway. The Perkins XI adds another important step in that pathway, helping identify talented players with the potential to progress further.” 

“We also acknowledge the families, friends, and volunteers who make this journey possible. Their commitment is the backbone of our football community.” 

“Our goal is for the Championships to remain Australia’s leading talent identification event, while continuing to evolve the educational and development support for players, coaches, and officials alike.” 

Quotes attributable to NSW Sky Under 15 Head Coach, Spencer Prior: 

“I am really proud of the girls and the way that they improved each day in terms of what we were asking them to do. 

“A performance like that in the final, where they really didn't get near us and we controlled the game with and without the ball, is what we are really looking to do so I am super proud of the way they've applied themselves. 

“This one is really special. These girls have got three to five years of nationals ahead of them to cement their development and get into youth national teams.  

“These Championships have been amazing. It's been phenomenal have in Malaysia here and to have the understanding of how you play against overseas opponents.” 

Quotes attributable to Victoria Blue Under 16 Head Coach, Santiago Escudero: 

• Under 16: NSW Country 

Referee Lead for the Championships, Danielle Anderson, presented the Referee of the Tournament awards:

• Under 16: Nina Cortese (Football NSW)

 The Coach of the Tournament awards were presented by General Manager of Coach Education and Futsalroos Head Coach, Miles Downie:

����Ӱ�� would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. 

Events like this wouldn't be possible without the valuable support and commitment of family, friends, event staff and volunteers. 

Under 15 Championship Final: 
NSW Sky 4 def Northern NSW 1
NSW Sky: T. Young (5’), T. Young (14’), J. Taylor (24’), J. Taylor (42)
Northern NSW: M. Fleming (59’) 

Under 16 Championship Final:  
NSW Sky 0 def by Victoria Blue 1
Victoria Blue: A. Pantazopoulos (26’) 

Under 15 Team Rankings

Under 16 Team Rankings