The CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships rose to another level today as finals loom large and teams fought to climb the ladder.
Three days of group stage action have come and gone, with all teams now having played each other and group placings confirmed.
In the Under 15 age group, Victoria Blue (Group A), South Australia (Group B), and Western Australia (Group C) all finished top of their groups with undefeated records, while Queensland Maroon topped Group D.
In the Under 16 age group, NSW Sky (Group C) and Queensland Maroon (Group D) finished top of their groups without losing a match. NSW Navy and South Australia finished first in Groups A and B respectively.
More on the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships
CLICK HERE to view live tables, results and fixtures
CLICK HERE to view the official 2025 CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships Tournament program
CLICK HERE to watch* the 2025 CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships thanks to Kommunity TV (*subscription required)
One Goal, One Pathway
From the sidelines to the meetings behind closed doors, the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships are bringing national and state leaders together with one goal to build a stronger pipeline to the National Teams.
Now three days into the Championships at the Home of the Matildas in Melbourne, U23 Men's National Team Head Coach Tony Vidmar has been a regular presence by observing matches, engaging with Member Federation staff, and delivering key insights to coaches and Technical Directors.
"These Championships are so important," Vidmar explained.
"Players are testing themselves against their own age group from different states, and it gives us a much broader understanding of who's coming through and where the talent is."
On Wednesday morning, Vidmar led a national team technical update with Member Federation Technical Directors and coaches, focusing on defensive actions at international level and how Member Federations can better prepare players for the demands of modern football.
"We always talk about world-class attackers, but we also need world-class defenders too," Vidmar said.
"Players who can win one-on-one battles, read the game, and play out from the back - that's what we're looking for."
The session offered an open platform for national and state-based staff to exchange ideas, align on development strategies, and contribute to Football Australia's long-term vision.
"It's not always easy to get everyone in the same room, but when we do, it's really valuable," Vidmar added.
"There are no secrets. We're all here for the same reason to help create great players for our national teams."
"Just because they're not picked now doesn't mean we won't see them in U20s, U23s or even the Socceroos one day. Development pathways aren't linear and we're watching the journey."
Malaysian Flavour Adds to Atmosphere
Football has long been a powerful connector of cultures across the globe, and the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships are no exception by bringing people together on and off the pitch through the power of food.
Adding a burst of flavour to the tournament this week is Panjali, a Malaysian food stall run by Tayamany, who eagerly embraced the chance to support the Malaysian U15 national team competing in the Championships for the first time.
"I'm so proud they've come all this way to play," Tayamany said.
"When I was asked if I wanted to cook for them, I said yes straight away - it felt like the perfect way to show my support."
Tayamany serves up authentic Malaysian favourites including chicken curry, tender lamb curry, stir-fried Asian noodles, and freshly made roti, along with vegetarian and vegan options.
"The food is for everyone, players, staff, families," she said.
The Malaysian team has already been spotted grabbing meals before their matches, fuelling up with a taste of home, while Tayamany looks forward to cheering them on from the sidelines later in the week.
"The setup here has been perfect," she added.
"The team at the Championships has been so welcoming and helpful, and I've absolutely loved being part of this amazing event."
Strong. Fast. Fed.
At the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships, every player and coach from all participating teams attended a Nutrition workshop last night.
The session was led by Football Australia dietitian Alicia Edge, as part of the holistic approach to athlete development embraced by the Championships.
The workshop focused on educating participants about the role of proper nutrition in supporting consistent training, recovery, and performance on the field. It highlighted how fuelling well can help players reduce fatigue, lower the risk of injuries, and maintain sharp mental focus during matches and training.
Emphasising practical strategies, the session provided guidance on managing energy and recovery to meet the demands of football alongside school and everyday life.
By integrating education on nutrition alongside football development, the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships aim to equip young players with the knowledge and habits necessary to support their long-term growth as athletes.
