CommBank Matildas 2025: Day One Highlights
From the first whistle, there was no shortage of sharp passing, brave defending and moments of individual brilliance across both the Under 15 and Under 16 Age Groups.
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.
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From government officials and mayors to National Team staff and players, the opening ceremony of the 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships was filled with star power and significance.
Spectators packed the stands at Valentine Sports Park as the tournament officially kicked off with a welcome featuring several special guests. Among the speakers were Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac, Blacktown MP Stephen Bali, Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting, and Councillor Julie Griffiths who all reinforced the importance of football in the community and the role these Championships play in shaping future national team stars.
Team captains and vice-captains were then introduced to the crowd before stepping forward to receive their captain’s armband from CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach Michael Cooper.
After swapping Darwin’s heat for Sydney’s winter chill, Football NT’s Under 15 girls are embracing every challenge at the 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships.
Landing at 7am on Sunday after a red-eye flight, the team quickly settled into tournament life embodying the well-known Territory resilience and pride.
Fifteen of the 17 players are based in Darwin, which Assistant Coach Albert Krause says has been a major advantage in their preparation.
“It’s been a great lead-in. Having the majority of the squad in Darwin meant we could train together consistently, which really helped build the foundation before arriving in Sydney,” Krause said.
Krause explained that the travel demands and climate change are part of the experience and an opportunity to develop strong habits on and off the field.
“We use the distance to our advantage. It brings the group closer and forces us to focus on the one-percenters like mindset, recovery and preparation. Once that’s in place, we can build tactically and technically.”
Team captain Karys Sheridan has led by example and says the opportunity to wear the armband is particularly meaningful.
“Being captain is really special to me,” Sheridan said.
“I’ve done it before for other teams, but this one really means a lot.”
Sheridan also draws inspiration from her football roots in her grandfather, Alex Sheridan, who played professionally for Brighton & Hove Albion FC in England and Queens Park Rangers FC in Scotland.
“He was a left back too and wore the same number as me,” she said.
“He gives me tips, and it would be amazing to follow in his footsteps.”
Cutting-edge testing and performance technology are helping shape a more personalised pathway to national team success at the 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships.
Held at Valentine Sports Park in Glenwood, more than 400 players completed physical testing ahead of Day One action. The assessments were designed to mirror those at the elite level, offering insight into key performance markers like sprint speed, jump height and body composition.
Players underwent Football Australia’s Perform Plus warm-up – a routine proven to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. From there, they moved through a 20-metre sprint to assess acceleration, a counter-movement jump to test explosive power, and body measurements including height, weight and seated height.
The data provides invaluable information to coaches and technical staff across the country. It helps national selectors identify and track talent, while also giving players and Member Federations a benchmark for development.
Early results showed a diverse range of athletic profiles, with some players recording sprint times under three seconds and jumps over 50 centimetres. Combined with their on-field performances, this data forms a key part of Football Australia’s long-term plan to uncover the next generation of CommBank Matildas.
https://www.ffa.com.au/news/commbank-emerging-matildas-championships-2025-day-one-wrap