The Finalists of the 2025 CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships are confirmed after a day of thrilling knockout football action.
The wet, windy and chilly Melbourne weather did little to dampen the spirits of those in the grandstand, who were treated to clinical finishes and rock-solid defending from the nation's brightest young talent.
In the Under 15 Age Group, Victoria Blue were the first to book their ticket to the final with a 3-0 victory over Western Australia. The 2024 Champions will face a determined and resilient Queensland Maroon side who will be buoyed by a 2-0 victory over NSW Sky.
In the Under 16 Age Group, one of the matches of the tournament took place between NSW Navy and NSW Sky with scores locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time. A tense penalty shootout eventually revealed NSW Sky as the victors who will face Western Australia. The united WA side prevailed over Victoria Blue with resolute defending securing their place in the final.
Victoria Blue and Queensland Maroon will contest the Championship match at 10.30am AEST before Western Australia and NSW Sky face off in the Under 16 Championship match at 12.10pm AEST.
More on the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships
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National Team Coaches watching closely
As players battle it out on the pitch, Football Australia's technical and national team staff continue to observe every moment closely, ensuring no talent goes unnoticed.
Among those on the ground this week is Trevor Morgan, Football Australia's Technical Director - Men's Football & Head Coach of the U20s, who says the Championships are a crucial part of the player pathway.
"Tournaments like this are carefully designed to provide opportunities for players and coaches with a long-term focus on the pathway," Morgan said.
"It's structured like an Asian Cup, with group stages and finals, so players get used to that kind of tournament pressure and progression."
With the FIFA U-17 World Cup now held annually, Morgan said the need to identify and develop talent has never been more urgent.
"These Championships are helping us expose talent, find talent and from there, Carl (Subway Joeys Head Coach) and his staff can work to develop that talent."
"We've made sure our staff are watching each team multiple times, and now as we hit the pointy end, we're being very targeted in the games we focus on to follow up on players we've identified."
Queensland Maroon Push Into Under 15 Final
Queensland Maroon have booked their place in the Under 15 Final after a clinical 2-0 win over NSW Sky, continuing a run that's made more impressive given the team only had a handful of sessions together before the tournament began.
Head Coach Alec Wilson praised the group's collective mentality and adaptability throughout the Championships.
"They're just a gritty group of players who want to perform together," he said.
"They've gone out, executed the game plan, and as a coach, it's just really pleasing."
Queensland opened the scoring through Zachary Harrison, who continues his breakout tournament as the leading goal scorer in the Under 15 division.
"It's honestly an unreal feeling," said Harrison.
"It was a hard game, but the boys played so well and I'm very happy with the result. Now we're all looking forward to the final."
"You're always coming up against tough defenders who are big, fast and smart. The Championships have helped me learn different ways to protect the ball and get around them."
Safeguarding the Future Through Club Changer
While players were battling it out in Semi-Finals, young players and their families gathered just nearby for a Club Changer workshop focused on child safeguarding, values, and behaviours in football.
Delivered by Football Australia, the workshop featured parents and children from across Victoria, learning side-by-side about the importance of a safe and rewarding football experience.
"This is a really important session where both parents and children get to hear each other," said Grace Lambourne, Football Australia's National Program Manager - Club Development.
"The session is about seeing football through the child's eyes understanding what fun looks like for them and how they experience the game."
Held at the Home of the Matildas, the session also gave families a front-row look at the Championships afterwards, creating a memorable and educational day.
"We hope the kids leave inspired," Lambourne added.
"Who knows maybe we had a few future Socceroos and Matildas in the room today."
