The 2026 Emerging Matildas Championships came to a close on Wednesday after six thrilling days of football.
Northern NSW Football under-15s finished the tournament fourth and the under-16s finished fifth.
NNSWF match official Isabella Walshe was named the under-15s referee of the tournament following a fantastic six days.
Under-15s
The under-15s closed out their campaign with a tough 4-1 defeat to Football NSW Navy.
NNSWF hit the ground running as they looked to secure a bronze medal.
An early goal to Amelia Stevenson secured NNSWF the lead in the third minute.
But Football NSW Navy responded immediately as they found a goal of their own.
Football NSW Navy took their lead out to 2-1 and held on to it as they entered half-time.
As NNSWF looked to equalise Football NSW Navy quickly took their lead to 3-1 in the 33rd minute.
NNSWF goalkeeper Eden Brown kept her side within reach after a fantastic save in the 41st minute.
But a goal to Football NSW Navy in the 44th minute, saw NNSWF fall short at the end despite their continuous efforts throughout the match.
Under-16s
The under-16s closed out their tournament on a high after downing Football Queensland Maroon on penalties 1(4)-1(3).
The two sides battled early as they traded shots on target, but strong backlines continued to deny each other.
Football Queensland Maroon broke through in the 23rd minute after they were awarded a penalty following a foul in the box.
Goalkeeper Marli Demir dove the correct way, but the ball just scraped her fingers and into the goal.
But NNSWF did not back down, and the equaliser came for Shiori Hallam in the 28th minute.
The two sides continued to battle for the remainder of the match but neither side could find another, sending them to penalties.
After Football Queensland Maroon netted their first, Mackenzie Preston-Poole stepped up to the spot in slotted NNSWF first.
Charlotte MacNeil netted NNSWF’s second before Football Queensland Maroon goalkeeper denied Sarah Patmore.
Football Queensland Maroon stepped up for their fourth but sent it over the crossbar, while Ruby Murray calmly netted NNSWF’s third.
NNSWF goalkeeper Quiola Arthur denied Football Queensland Maroon’s fourth before captain Charlotte Lowrie netted NNSWF’s fourth and final goal.
NNSWF Talent Development Officer Brett Angell said he was proud of the way both squads applied themselves throughout the tournament
“We have secured a fourth and fifth placed finish, so I think overall that's probably on par for expectations,” Angell said.
“We did think that both groups were capable of making the latter stages of the competition, so it was nice to see that.
“I think there has been some challenges on the way, but overall, they've overcome many of those challenges. They've enjoyed and we've enjoyed the football that we've seen from both groups.
“Unfortunately, we've not been at a final, but I think they've certainly done themselves a lot of credit for the way they've applied themselves and performed for both groups this week.”