Football Australia’s National Futsal Championships kicked off for 2025 in Melbourne on Wednesday.
The State Netball and Hockey Centre was buzzing from the moment the gates were opened, with over 3,000 players, family members and fans in attendance across the day cheering on the best players from around the country.
While the first game of the tournament kicked off at 8am, play was halted at 11am for the official opening ceremony on pitch one, with representatives from Football Australia and Football Victoria saying a few words following an Acknowledgment of Country.
Northern NSW start the tournament with a bang
NNSWF’s return to the Football Australia tournament started strong, with all five teams putting their mark on the competition.
The under-13s girls went down 4-3 to Football Victoria Navy in their first match of the tournament but put up a fierce fight in what was a thrilling game. Adelaide Goff, Elise Johnson and Matilda Fleming all opened their scoring account for the competition.
NNSWF’s under-14s boys' side went down in their opening game 8-1 to Football NSW Lightning. Hudson McGarry opened his account for the tournament for NNSW.
The under-15s girls' team started their tournament with a 3-2 win after a tough-fought battle with Football South Australia. Emmeline Howard scored a double and Chloe Hiles netted her first of the tournament to help secure the win.
The team then narrowly went down to Football NSW Country 3-2 with goals from Charlotte Macneill and Annika Driscoll.
NNSWF’s under-16s boys team went down 8-2 to Football Queensland in their first game of the tournament, with goals from Griffin Hill and Max Alcorn.
In their second match of the day, the under-16s boys went down 9-0 to Football NSW Thunder.
The open women’s team was defeated 3-1 by Football Victoria Navy in their opening match of the tournament. NNSWF were down 3-0 at the break before Eric Newton hit the back of the net early in the second half.
NNSWF Futsal Manager Damon Shaw was pleased with the efforts of the five sides in their opening matches.
“It’s exciting for Northern NSW Football to be back at Football Australia’s National Futsal Championships,” Shaw said.
“We are starting our new futsal journey and this tournament will be a great learning experience for all our players and coaches. This experience aims for all teams to improve with every game they play and enjoy themselves.
“I am proud of our teams for how they have represented NNSWF with pride and bravery.
“I look forward to seeing how our teams grow and improve from day one.”
More on the Football Australia National Futsal Championships
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