Sunday marked Wollongong’s turn to host the league, with more than 500 juniors descending on Unanderra to contest a day of hard-fought play. 

It was the local kids who stood tall, however, with the under 12 boys continuing their undefeated start to the competition. The highlight of the day was an epic clash with Barcelona Academy Sydney, which ended in a one-all draw. 

IFA director Mark Tyssen said it was fantastic to see so many talented junior footballers facing off in Wollongong, with the Illawarra side holding their own.  

“The event was a huge success for our region and the feedback was brilliant,” Tyssen said.

“With 10 high-profile football academies in attendance and some of the biggest academies within NSW, it was a sensational day of high-quality junior and youth soccer, with IFA teams doing very well. 

“The IFA under 12s premier league team stole the limelight with another great team performance with a solid 6-0 win over Celtic before a top-of-the-table clash with the highly fancied Barca Academy Sydney Blau team. 

“In the match of the day, it was brilliant football from both teams in front of a large crowd, with the match ending in an exciting 1-1 draw.”

The IFA’s under 10s also had a successful weekend, moving up to second on the ladder with two rounds to go. 

This year has marked the first edition of the Summer Premier Academy League, a competition designed to provide the state’s most talented juniors with the opportunity to further their skills throughout the summer offseason. 

“The Premier Academy league is providing local talented junior and youth players with an opportunity of playing advanced soccer throughout summer and, with the success of this league, it is expected to double in size next season.” 

“The league is also looking at going full time and 12 months of the year.”