Northern NSW Football secured fifth place at the 2025 National Para Football Championships.
The five-day tournament at the Home of the Matildas in Melbourne saw the NNSWF team, made up almost exclusively of northern NSW-based players, fight to the end in each match.
Despite their efforts, the side endured a run of four consecutive defeats.
But NNSWF still showcased the talent in northern NSW when the youngest squad member Kai Ruban produced an outstanding long-range goal in the side’s second match of the tournament against reigning champions Football NSW.
Carly Salmon, who represented NNSWF, was awarded Female Player of the Tournament.
NNSWF Participation and Women’s Football Officer Serena Carter was pleased with Northern NSW Football’s representation at this year’s National Para Football Championships.
“NNSWF made it a priority to showcase the talented para athletes based in northern NSW, especially those identified through our para football program and three come-and-try days,” Carter said.
“We had nine NNSWF athletes at this year’s tournament, a significant increase from last year and it was fantastic to see them all come together on the national stage.
“NNSWF looks forward to building on our para football program and continuing to develop our local players. We are enthusiastic about the future and our return to the National Para Football Championships in 2026.
“A special thank you to coaches Mackenzie Davis and Matt Bass for their exceptional leadership and guidance throughout the tournament.”
NNSWF player and ParaMatilda Lainee Harrison was thrilled to represent the region and was excited for the future of para football.
“My first National Para Football Championships was one to remember. The NNSWF team is like a second family to me and while we only played together for two days, I am so unbelievably proud of our efforts,” Harrison said.
“The commitment everyone put in was [excellent]. No matter the score we kept pushing on.
“I’m excited to see how NNSWF will blossom in the para football space over the next couple of years and I am proud to say that I am a part of history.
“My confidence has grown massively throughout the tournament and that is all due to the amazing support I received from both staff and players.”
