Coffs Football Centre welcomed the first batch of 2022 Champion of Champions on a picturesque Monday.
The best of the best youth community football sides started their five-day battle to determine the coveted Champion of Champions title winners for northern NSW.
The girls launched the week of football with under-12s, 14s and 16s competitions, with sides gathering at Coffs Harbour from across the 600-kilometre stretch of coast within the Northern NSW Football member federation.
Arriving as early as 8am the sides were keen to play on the pristine synthetic pitches at the Coffs Football Centre, a cherished first-time experience for the majority of players.
Under 12s Girls: Watermelon wonders for Northern Storm
Opening the day on a brisk morning, Stockton JSC under-12s player Ella Robinson scored the opening goal of the 2022 Champion of Champions tournament. Robinson cracked the ball into the top right corner over the goalkeeper from a tight angle on the left edge of the penalty area, giving the Sharks the first win of the competition over Northern Storm.
But the half-time watermelons worked their magic for Northern Storm who managed to take their first victory of the tournament later in the day against Port United, winning 1-0. The rapid Eva Corsalini made a bombarding run down the left flank, skimming defenders, and played a pinpoint ball to Pippa Dodd, who buried her shot past the Port United goalkeeper.
Despite many chances, Stockton JSC and Port United drew 0-0 in the final game for day one leaving Stockton as the team to beat heading into Tuesday.
Under 14s Girls: Strikers, Magpies top group after significant wins
Cooks Hill United started the morning on the right foot, squeezing past Byron Bay 1-0 thanks to a goal from Abbey Roser. While on the other field many chances went astray as Tintenbar East Ballina and Maitland JFC played out a 0-0 draw.
Byron Bay's woes continued as Sawtell FC smashed four past the Rams. Byron Bay opened the scoring through Emily Link but a flurry of goals from Daniela Recinos, Lucy McCormick and two to Imogen Bilsborough put the game to bed. Sofia Kirkpatrick managed to score a consolation for the Far North Coast side but it was not enough with the game ending 4-2.
The goals continued to flow in the afternoon fixtures as Maitland and Tintenbar were able to one-up their draw from earlier on in the day. The two sides also hold the first and second place on the table respectively, separated by goal difference.
Tintenbar East Ballina came from behind in spectacular fashion, beating Cooks Hill United 2-1. Madison Parkin gave the Strikers a late lead and ultimately the win through a wonder free kick from the corner of the penalty area.
Maitland JFC played out a convincing 3-1 win over fellow Interdistrict side Garden Suburb FC. Two goals to Grace Medway and one to Addison McQueen was enough to see the Magpies shoot to the top of the table heading into day two.
Under-16s Girls: Two points separate six sides as Bellingen, Coffs City take advantage
In the battle of the bays, Byron Bay dominated Nelson Bay in the under-16s opener, winning 2-0 with goals to Jasmin Sezer and Phoebe Link. Maitland JFC under-16s ended their opening match with a 0-0 draw with locals Sawtell FC.
Sawtell coach Simon Portus said his side had enjoyed the uniqueness of the Champion of Champions tournament so far and was excited for the remainder of the tournament.
"It's great to be able to play other teams in the region from down in Newcastle, Maitland and up in Byron Bay," Portus said.
"The girls are really enjoying having different competition but also having these five games in a short amount of time is really great for them to focus on the games. It's been really good.
"We had a 0-0 this morning which was a good game with lots of chances. It's been great [so far]."
The afternoon games in the under-16s were again relatively goalless due to some strong defending with Maitland and Nelson Bay playing out a 0-0 draw.
But the final two matches of the day provided wins for North Coast-based sides Bellingen and Coffs City United.
Chloe Hodge of Coffs City United scored in dramatic fashion with the last kick of the game against Byron Bay FC, while Indianna Brodbeck also scored a late winner for Bellingen FC against Sawtell FC, both ending 1-0.
Byron Bay, Coffs City United and Bellingen all sit equal top with three points as the latter two sides have a game in hand. But all six teams in the under-16s competitions still have points in their grasp, with an intense day two of football to look forward to.
Explainer: How the Champion of Champions works
The Northern NSW Football Champion of Champions tournament brings together the best youth community football teams from across NNSWF's seven Member Zones' top competitions to challenge for the title of Champion of Champions in their age group.
In a change to previous formats, in 2022 all clubs are invited to enter any teams competing in their Member Zone’s top division. The tournament kicked off on Monday and will see seven age groups across girls and boys competitions to determine the NNSWF community football Champion of Champions.
More about the 2022 Champion of Champions tournament can be found HERE.
Key Champion of Champions Information:
