A collection of some of the best youth community football teams from across NNSWF’s seven member zones have travelled to Coffs Harbour for the 2024 Champion of Champions tournament which got underway at Coffs Coast Synthetics facility on Tuesday.
The boys tournament kicked off the week with under-12s, under-13s, under-14s and under-15/16s divisions.
There was some thrilling football contested across day one as the talented young players battled warm and windy conditions. Attack was clearly a focus leading into the tournament, with 70 goals scored across the first 22 games.
Under-12s Boys
All four under-12s boys teams lined up for a game each in the morning and another during the afternoon, with Coffs City United and Alstonville FC emerging as the teams to beat.
Coffs City came firing out of the gates after they secured a 5-0 win over Maclean FC in the morning before continuing their winning ways in the afternoon, defeating Coffs Coast Tigers 4-1.
Alstonville started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Coffs Coast Tigers FC before remaining undefeated with a commanding 10-0 win over Maclean.
The under-12s boys sides have another action-packed day on Wednesday when they each contest three matches during day two of the tournament.
Under-13s Boys
The under-13s division kicked off the tournament with six thrilling contests.
Northern Storm FC attacker Saxon Bannerman scored the first goal in the under-13s division when he put his side ahead of Coffs City United. The goal was enough to separate the teams at full-time as Northern Storm held on to defeat Coffs City 1-0. Iona SC was also able to defeat Bellingen FC 1-0.
Nelson Bay FC under-13s took the field for the first time later in the day and the rested legs proved to help, after they defeated Coffs City 2-1.
Bellingen came out firing after their loss in the morning and secured a dominant win when they defeated Northern Storm 5-0. Bellingen’s Hunter Lynch-gale was able to hit the back of the net three times scoring the first hattrick of the tournament.
Nelson Bay, Bellingen, Iona and Northern Storm saved the best for last in the final matches of day one. Nelson Bay and Bellingen looked as if it was going to be all locked up 0-0 at full time but a late goal by George English secured Bellingen a 1-0 win. Iona continued their winning streak, defeating Northern Storm 6-0.
Under-14s Boys
All six teams in the under-14s division lined up for two games on day one of the tournament.
Nelson Bay FC’s fierce attack couldn’t be stopped in the first game of the day when they defeated Iona SC Victory 5-0. Andrew Farrell opened the scoring in the under-14s division in the fourth minute before Alexander Campbell fired two back-to-back.
Alstonville FC narrowly defeated Urunga FC 1-0 after a hard-fought contest while Norths United FC fell short to Iona SC Roar 2-0.
Coffs City United under-14s took the field for the first time in the afternoon, defeating Iona Victory 4-0. Norths United bounced back from their loss securing a 2-1 win against a strong Nelson Bay side. Iona Roar and Alstonville couldn’t be separated ending day one all locked up 1-1.
Under-15/16s Boys
The under-15/16s division of the tournament kicked off with six nail-biting contests.
Coffs Coast Tigers FC reigned supreme of Coffs Harbour when they narrowly defeated Coffs City United FC 1-0 before they battled out a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Byron Bay FC.
Maitland JFC’s Noah Lancaster opened the scoring in the under-15/16s division in the third minute after he converted a penalty past Tilligerry United FC. That goal separated the sides at full-time as Maitland held on to edge out Tilligerry 1-0.
Close games continued when Byron Bay FC and Alstonville FC went head-to-head where Alstonville was victorious 2-0.
Alstonville remained victorious in their second match of the day dominating Tilligerry 6-0. Haylen Balfour showcased his attacking skills scoring the second hattrick of the tournament while Thomas Bazaar hit the back of the net twice. Maitland continued their winning ways defeating Coffs City 2-0
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 our seven Member Zones top competitions, to challenge for the title of Champion of Champions in their age group!
The final format, number of competing teams and age groups are finalised and advised once all registrations have been received.
More about the 2024 Champion of Champions tournament can be found HERE.
Key Champion of Champions Information:
See the fixtures and results for 2024 Champion of Champions HERE