The next generation of Matildas have been playing their hearts out at both WIN Stadium and JJ Kelly Park this week.
A total of 22 teams across under 14 and 16 age groups have taken part in the National Youth Football Championships right here in Wollongong.
The National Youth Championship has long been an integral part of the Football Australia's talent identification program, proving an important stepping-stone for many current Matildas and Socceroos.
There are many local products playing in the competition including Shell Cove's Gabi White, Wombarra's Sofia Fante, Cambewarra's Emily Zerafa, Jamberoo's Romany Jansens and Albion Park's Sophie Bailey.
The Mercury photographers have been to both grounds this week and have captured the best of the action.
Here are the best photos from the tournament so far.
The grand final for both the under 14 and 16s will be held at WIN Stadium on Friday (October 13).
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Jordan Warren
From the Illawarra my whole life, I have a passion for sports writing. Favourite sports include football, cricket and rugby league. Career highlights include covering the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2022 UCI Cycling World Championships in Wollongong. I cover a range of sports, mainly football, but have written about rugby league, rugby union, racing, basketball, volleyball, Aussie Rules, cricket, mixed martial arts plus more. Particularly enjoy providing the latest updates to local fans of the Wolves, Illawarra Premier League (men's and women's) as well as the District League.
From the Illawarra my whole life, I have a passion for sports writing. Favourite sports include football, cricket and rugby league. Career highlights include covering the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2022 UCI Cycling World Championships in Wollongong. I cover a range of sports, mainly football, but have written about rugby league, rugby union, racing, basketball, volleyball, Aussie Rules, cricket, mixed martial arts plus more. Particularly enjoy providing the latest updates to local fans of the Wolves, Illawarra Premier League (men's and women's) as well as the District League.
