Northern NSW Football secured second and seventh place at the 2025 Emerging Matildas Championships.
The final day of action at Valentine Sports Park saw the under-15s push their opponents to the final whistle in hopes of taking home the championships.
The under-15s put on a brave performance against Football NSW Sky in the championship final but went down 4-1 to secure second place and a silver medal for the tournament.
NNSWF came out of the gates firing, determined to open the scoring, but it was Football NSW Sky who broke first.
A scramble in front of goal as both teams fought for the ball led to Football NSW Sky finding the back of the net in the fourth minute.
They doubled their advantage in the 13th minute, but NNSWF were not backing down.
An incredible solo effort by Mackenzie Preston-Poole looked to be the moment for NNSWF.
Preston-Poole ran the ball down the pitch, beating her defenders before finding Annika Driscoll but the Football NSW Sky goalkeeper denied them the goal.
The third goal of the morning was scored in the 23rd minute and sent Football NSW Sky into half-time leading 3-0.
The under-15s determination was on display as they continued to absorb Football NSW Sky attacking pressure.
NNSWF goalkeeper Quiola Arthur denied them back-to-back opportunities in the early moments of the second half.
Football NSW Sky netted their fourth of the day in the 41st.
NNSWF continued to push to claw one back and the moment came in the 59th minute.
Preston-Poole launched the ball off the corner and into the box where she found Matilda Fleming.
Fleming headed the ball into the back of the net and lessened the deficit to 4-1.
Despite the final result, under-15s captain Charlotte Lowrie was grateful that her side made it all the way to the final.
“I’m grateful for all the opportunities from this week and especially Northern NSW Football giving us girls the chance to come down here,” Lowrie said.
“We’ve worked really hard this week, and I’m so proud of everyone to get to the final.
“Although we didn’t get the win and that’s upsetting, we will come back next year to beat them.”
The under-16s side placed seventh in the tournament.
NNSWF Technical Director Ryan Doidge was proud of the efforts shown today and throughout the tournament.
“It was a great effort from our under-15s to get to the grand final stage,” Doidge said.
“Whilst the players are disappointed with the result, the coaching staff and me as Technical Director are really proud of the efforts that they showed throughout the week.
“There were some great moments throughout the tournament with the under-15s squad.
“They were brave, creative and then, at the other end, they showed good determination and enthusiasm not to concede goals.
“I know they’re disappointed right now, but the message now is that we will go back to our environment. We use this as an experience and look to continue to develop to hopefully be back here in 12 months' time, when we can challenge again.”
