NSW Metro Girls clean sweep National Youth Championships
Football NSW’s U15 and U16 Metro teams have been named 2024 National Youth Champions at the Home of the Matildas in Melbourne.
Both squads finished off the tournament unbeaten, completing their respective campaigns in two very different clashes during Monday’s Finals.
U15s Final
It was an open affair in the U15s age group with NSW Metro going down early to Queensland Maroon. A Jada Taylor goal ensured the sides would go to the break locked at 1-1 before NSW Metro started the second half with a wave of pressure on the Queensland goal. However, the chances went unfinished as both teams traded shots in an end-to-end second period that ultimately ended level, sending the Final to penalties.
The first two penalties would be crucial, with Queensland missing their first and NSW’s Alyse Oppedisano saving their second attempt. Despite a diving save from Queensland’s goalkeeper on Metro’s second attempt, the NSW outfit was able to bury their next three penalties to secure the Championship.
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.”
U16s Final
Going into the U16s Final against Northern NSW, NSW Metro had netted 25 goals and were yet to concede. They would soon live up to the hype they had built throughout the tournament with Amelia Cassar slotting home a long-range free-kick in just the fourth minute. It was a 2-0 lead in the 14th minute when Tiana Fuller stole the ball and looped a left-foot shot from outside the box over the keeper and into the net.
Up 2-0 at the break, any chance of a Northern NSW comeback diminished when Amy Barker made it 3-0, four minutes into the second-half. Seven minutes later, Eliza Familton got on the end of a through ball to guide it past Northern’s goalkeeper and kick-start the celebrations, with NSW Metro finishing as 4-0 victors and National Youth Champions.
Head Coach of NSW Metro Under 16s and former Young Matilda (2015), Vic Guzman, praised her side’s attitude following the 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.
More on the 2024 National Youth Championships:
CLICK HERE to view the Official National Youth Championships 2024 Girls’ Tournament Digital Program with Fixtures
CLICK HERE to watch* the National Youth Championships 2024 Girls’ Tournament thanks to Kommunity TV (*subscription required)
CLICK HERE to view the live tables and results
