NSW Metro has triumphed in both the Under 15 and Under 16 Age Groups at the 2024 National Youth Championships Girls' Tournament held at the Home of the Matildas at LaTrobe University in Victoria.
Perfect conditions marked the culmination of six days of high-quality competition, featuring 22 teams and 67 matches. A combined total of 310 goals were scored across the girls' tournament, which showcased the talents of over 500 players and officials.
NSW Metro emerged as National Champions in the Under 15 and Under 16 Age Groups, winning the Finals against Queensland Maroon and Northern NSW, respectively. Both NSW Metro sides completed the tournament unbeaten, highlighting the level of talent developing within NSW.
The Under 15s Final started with a bang as Queensland Maroon scored in the opening minutes, however, NSW Metro quickly equalised. A goalless second half played out in front of a full grandstand, leading to a penalty shootout where NSW Metro proved more clinical.
NSW Metro Under 15 Head Coach Anissa Tan spoke highly of the talented side.
"It feels good now but during the game I was a bit stressed," Tann said.
"We were on top but Queensland defended quite well. It was a close match in the first half and that continued in the second. I'm just glad that they all played well individually.
"I think there are some future national team players in this squad."
Averaging five goals per game and conceding none throughout the tournament, NSW Metro continued their dominance in the Under 16s Final. Despite a resilient and determined effort from Northern NSW, the NSW Metro side scored four goals and once again conceded none. This victory marked NSW Metro Under 16's second consecutive win in this age group at the National Youth Championships Girls' Tournament.
Head Coach of NSW Metro Under 16s and former CommBank Young Matilda (2015), Vic Guzman, praised her side's attitude following their 4-0 triumph.
"They were really good this week and kept up that form today. This is a very, very great group of girls," Guzman said.
"We've got a well-rounded squad. We have certain goal scorers, but one of our key players, Amelia Cassar (forward), assisted almost every second goal. Defensively, we were solid, our goalkeepers were excellent, and I'm just very happy for the girls.
"There's a lot of talent here, you could pick any other them to kick on. They're ready to listen and ready to learn so you have players like that, it's even better. The future is looking fantastic," Guzman said.
Following the conclusion of the Finals, the tournament awards were presented. NSW Metro's Abbie Puckett received the Under 15 Player of the Tournament Award, presented by Football Australia Chief Football Officer, Ernie Merrick.
NSW Metro's standout player Amelia Cassar was selected as the Under 16 Player of the Tournament.
Northern NSW goalkeeper Caoimhe Bray received the Under 15 Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award, after winning the same accolade in the Under 14 Age Group last year.
South Australia's Ilona Melegh was named the Under 16 Goalkeeper of the Tournament, presented by CommBank Junior Matildas' Goalkeeping Coach, Trinity Allen.
Eliza Skinner from Football NSW was recognized as the Match Official of the Under 15 Age Group for her consistent performance with the whistle.
Alana Zic, also from Football NSW, was awarded the Under 16 Match Official of the Tournament.
The National Youth Championships 2024 Boys' Tournament will take place from 16-21 July using the quality sporting facilities of WIN Stadium, JJ Kelly Park and Ian McLennan Park in Wollongong, NSW.
Football Australia would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Victorian Government, through its major events agency Visit Victoria of Australian Football and Football Victoria for hosting the Girls' Tournament at the Home of the Matildas.
Players of the Tournament:
Under 15: Abbie Pucket, Football NSW
Under 16: Amelia Cassar, Football NSW
Goalkeepers of the Tournament:
Under 15: Caoimhe Bray, Football Northern NSW
Under 16: Ilona Melegh, Football SA
Match Officials of the Tournament:
Under 15: Eliza Skinner, Football NSW
Under 16: Alana Zic, Football NSW
Under 15 Final:
NSW Metro 1 (4) def Queensland Maroon 1 (2)
NSW Metro: Jada Taylor (23')
Queensland Maroon: Zara Ahmed (4')
Under 16 Final:
NSW Metro 4 def Northern NSW 0
NSW Metro: Amelia Cassar (3'), Tiana Fuller (13'), Amy Barker (33'), Eliza Familton (44')
Under 15 Team Rankings
| Position | Team |
| 1 | NSW Metro |
| 2 | Queensland Maroon |
| 3 | Victoria Blue |
| 4 | Northern NSW |
| 5 | Victoria White |
| 6 | Western Australia |
| 7 | South Australia |
| 8 | Invitational XI |
| 9 | Capital Football |
| 10 | NSW Country |
| 11 | Tasmania |
| 12 | Queensland Silver |
Under 16 Team Rankings
| Position | Team |
| 1 | NSW Metro |
| 2 | Northern NSW |
| 3 | Victoria |
| 4 | Queensland Maroon |
| 5 | Queensland Silver |
| 6 | NSW Country |
| 7 | Western Australia |
| 8 | Tasmania |
| 9 | South Australia |
| 10 | Capital Football |
