2026 Emerging Socceroos Championships Day two Wrap

Day two of the Emerging Socceroos Championships featured perfect conditions and 16 thrilling games of football.

Northern NSW Football wrapped up the day with two impressive wins.

Under-15s

The under-15s continued their impressive second half from day one with a 3-1 win over Northern Territory. 

NNSWF entered the match full of determination for the three points and that was showcased with early efforts by Max Ferguson.

The efforts were rewarded in the 12th minute after Nate Kemp whipped a cross into the box and Ronin Mcvey headed it into the back of the net.

The under-15s doubled their lead in the 23rd minute after the Northern Territory goalkeeper dropped a NNSWF free kick. Thomas Donnelly pounced on the loose ball and tapped it in, sending his side into half-time with a 2–0 lead.

Northern Territory entered the second half with newfound aggression which resulted in a goal in the 36th minute.

But NNSWF were not backing down and regained the two-goal buffer in the 46th minute.

Oscar Bibb found the end of a miscalculated Northern Territory clearance and sent the ball into the bottom left corner. 

The under-15s kept pushing for a fourth goal but couldn’t add another before the final whistle, locking in their first win of the tournament.

They will now aim to repeat their dominant performance when they take on Football NSW Sky at 2.30pm on Tuesday 21 April. 

Under-16s

NNSWF under-16s continued their winning ways with a 3–0 victory over Northern Territory.

They entered the match with high energy and intent, searching for an early breakthrough.

That moment appeared to come in the 15th minute through Payton Wheeler, but the effort was ruled offside.

As NNSWF continued to build pressure, Drey Rhule had an attempt of his own but was denied by the goalkeeper.

It looked as though the sides would head into half-time locked at 0–0, but a late surge saw NNSWF take a 1–0 lead in the closing moments of the half.

Indie McGinniskin charged into the box and volleyed into the bottom left corner, capping off a strong team move.

NNSWF began the second half determined to extend their lead against a Northern Territory side that refused to back down.

A free kick at the top of the box then saw Levi Van Haren calmly place his effort into the bottom right corner in the 42nd minute.

With tensions rising and both sides showing plenty of fight, NNSWF looked set to close out a 2–0 win. However, there was still time for one more goal.

Jack Middleby was brought down in the box and stepped up to calmly convert from the spot, sealing a 3–0 victory.

The under-16s will look to end the group stage three from three when they take on Football NSW Sky at 11.30am Tuesday 21 April. 

NNSWF Technical Director Ryan Doidge praised two strong performances, with both teams now well positioned heading into a crucial final day of group matches.

“It was two really strong performances from the under-15s and under-16s today,” Doidge said.

“The wins leave us in a fantastic position tomorrow to qualify for the quarter-finals as both teams are in a position where they can exit the group strongly.

“What was really pleasing to me was how we created scoring chances. We were brave in possession, looked to play through, around and over in good moments. Ultimately that challenge stays the same for tomorrow.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow and I’m wishing both teams the best of luck.”