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Despite the brisk winter conditions in Glenwood, the energy on the field was palpable. Spectators filled the sidelines, creating a lively atmosphere as families, scouts and National Team coaches watched the opening matches of the group stage unfold.<\/p>\n
More on the CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE\u00a0<\/a>to view live tables, results and fixtures Former Matildas meet on the sidelines<\/p>\n There was a familiar sense of rivalry on the sidelines of Valentine Sports Park today and not just between NSW Sky and Northern NSW, but between two former Matildas teammates who are now guiding the next generation from opposite dugouts.<\/p>\n Alicia Ferguson, head coach of the Northern NSW Under 16s, came up against former CommBank Matildas teammate Anissa Tann, who is leading the NSW Sky side at this year\u2019s CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships.<\/p>\n In a tightly contested clash, it was Tann\u2019s NSW Sky outfit that won the encounter 1-0, with Ferguson reflecting on both the match and the unique occasion with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s always a grudge match between Northern and NSW,\u201d Ferguson said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut coaching against my old Tillies teammate that was pretty special. Anissa is such a student of the game, so it was great to see how her team approached things.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the narrow loss, Ferguson was full of praise for her squad.<\/p>\n \u201cI was so proud of the girls. Their attitude, their intent, the way they stuck to the game plan it was brilliant. We conceded off a set piece again, which is a bit disappointing, but we\u2019ll keep building.\u201d<\/p>\n While the result didn\u2019t go their way, Ferguson sees the bigger picture and few are better placed to speak to the value of this tournament than someone who came through it herself.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember playing nationals here back in the day,\u201d she laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cTournament football is just completely different to week-in, week-out games. You\u2019ve got to manage fatigue, player minutes, injuries and quickly move on from one result to the next. That\u2019s huge for young players.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s a learning curve she knows well, and one she\u2019s helping her squad navigate both on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had a two-day camp before the championships which really helped.<\/p>\n \u201cIt gave us a chance to understand each other like how we want to play, how we want to approach the games. They\u2019re a close group, they\u2019ve played together a bit now, and you can see that connection building.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not loving the cold pool recovery sessions. But it\u2019s all part of them taking responsibility for their own preparation. Their attitude to that side of things has really impressed me.\u201d<\/p>\n Parents Step into High-Performance Journey<\/p>\n While the spotlight was firmly on the players at the 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships, a different kind of preparation was taking place off the pitch, this time for the parents.<\/p>\n Over 100 people attended a dedicated Parent Workshop held alongside the tournament, designed to support families navigating the complex world of high-performance football.<\/p>\n From shifting roles and adapting to change, to having meaningful conversations and tackling the unknowns, the session guided parents through the realities of helping a young athlete through elite sport.<\/p>\n The workshop focused on key transitions in a player\u2019s pathway and the often-overlooked challenges parents face from letting go of control to staying connected through change.<\/p>\n Attendees left with a clearer understanding of what lies ahead, and how to strengthen the role they already play in their child\u2019s development both on and off the pitch because behind every promising footballer is a support system doing the hard work in the background.<\/p>\n Football for Everyone<\/p>\n A group of young people from Melrose Park Football Club and SydWest Multicultural Services had a football experience to remember today at the CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships joining the action in what was, for many, their first time watching live football.<\/p>\n The visit was part of Football Australia\u2019s ongoing commitment to ensuring football is accessible and welcoming for all \u2014 especially young people from refugee and multicultural backgrounds.<\/p>\n Across the day, the groups soaked in the tournament atmosphere, shared meals, chatted with staff, and cheered on players from the sidelines including catching the tail-end of Malaysia vs NT and the Charlie Perkins XI clash.<\/p>\n As an added highlight, each participant received their own official Player worn donated through Football Australia staff and the Professional Footballers Association.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was really about showing them that football is for everyone,\u201d said Lizzie O\u2019Connor, Football Australia\u2019s National CALD Program Coordinator.<\/p>\n \u201cFor a few of them, this was their first time seeing live football. It\u2019s happening right on their doorstep, and we want them to know they\u2019re welcome whether they\u2019re playing, watching, or just enjoying the community around the game.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was great to see them asking questions about the game, engaging with what was happening on the pitch, and just having fun in the sun.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had really positive feedback from the youth workers too and they\u2019re keen to keep the connection going and explore more ways to get involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE\u00a0<\/a>to view the official 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships Tournament program
CLICK HERE\u00a0<\/a>to watch* the 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships thanks to Kommunity TV (*subscription required)<\/p>\n![\"Northern](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/250716_EMERGING-32.jpg\")
\nNorthern NSW Football takes on NSW Sky. Photo Football Australia.<\/p>\n![\"Melrose](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/250716_EMERGING-147.jpg\")
\nPeople from Melrose Park Football Club and SydWest Multicultural Services enjoyed their time at the Championships. Photo Football Australia<\/p>\n