There was plenty of action for spectators to enjoy as the National Youth Championships 2024 Girls’ tournament got underway at the Home of the Matildas, Bundoora in Victoria today.
Perfect conditions awaited teams as they gathered bright and early for the official opening ceremony. CommBank Junior Matildas head coach Rae Dower and retired Newcastle Jets Gema Simon welcomed the participants before vice-captains, captains and head coaches of each team were presented with their armbands ahead of the opening games.
Northern NSW start the tournament strong
Day one of the tournament saw NNSWF's under-15s and under-16s finish the day with two wins and a loss.
The under-16s team got off to a dream start, as they defeated Football West 4-1. NNSWF headed into half-time behind 1-0, but the girls fought hard to come from behind and take the points.
Alexis Collins began her NYC campaign and showcased her talents as an attacker after she netted two goals. Natalia O'Driscoll and Aaliyah Kilroy each got their names on the scoresheet to take the side’s final score to 4-1.
The under-16s finished the day going down 2-1 to Queensland Silver despite a strong defensive effort. Alexis Collins continued to show her threat as an attacker, scoring the under-16s only goal for the match.
The under-15s team was victorious against Football South Australia in their first match of the tournament, as they secured a 1-0 victory. Lacey Dobson gained the lead for her side moments before half-time. NNSWF continued to push to double their lead in the second half, with the majority of the possession held in South Australia's half, but the final score remained 1-0.
The under-16s finished the day top of the table and will face Capital Football on Thursday for day two of matches. The under-15s finished the day second on the table and will face Victoria Blue on Thursday.
NNSWF Technical Director Ryan Doidge was pleased with the efforts from both sides.
“Our under-15s did well; they played a positive and bright game. They started to put our DNA into practice in terms of creativity, being brave and playing through lines”, Doidge said.
“The under-16s went down early on and showed great resilience, great desire and determination.
“We have to keep working hard on what we discussed, doing the basics right and approaching the game with the right mentality.
“We need to show determination, be brave when we’re on the ball and showcase what Northern NSW Football is about.”
More on the National Youth Championships:
See the National Youth Championships 2024 Program HERE
View the Girls’ Tournament Draw HERE
Watch the National Youth Championships 2024 HERE
