The Western Sydney Wanderers Girls Academy have been crowned Football NSW Youth Club Champions after an incredible first season, marking a historic milestone for women’s football in the region.
Launched this year as a fee-free Academy supported by the NSW Government and the Wanderers Foundation, the program has already made a significant impact on the player pathway for young female footballers in Western Sydney. In its inaugural season, 35 players progressed from the club’s Future Wander Women Program into the Academy with a further five advancing from the Pre-Academy Development Program structure.
On the pitch, the Academy sides enjoyed outstanding success across all age groups. The U14s and U16s were crowned Minor Premiers, while the U15s and U18s finished the season as runners-up. A total of 11 players earned international recognition through selection in junior national teams representing various countries, while 24 players also competed in the prestigious Emerging Matildas Tournament.
The achievement also reflects the commitment and expertise of the Academy’s coaching staff, led by Angelo Maralit and Lea Zullo (U14s), George and Jair Fernandez (U15s), Rob Bradshaw (U16s), and Adam Luzi (U18s), who have each played an integral role in the program’s early success.
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson praised the accomplishment as a landmark moment for the club and wider region.
“This is a proud day for the Wanderers and for women’s football in Western Sydney,” said Hudson.
“To be crowned the Football NSW Youth Club Champions in our very first season is an outstanding achievement and highlights the potential in our region. The support of the NSW Government and the Wanderers Foundation in making this a fee-free program ensures that every young girl has the chance to chase her football dreams, regardless of financial barriers.”
Wanderers Girls Academy Technical Director Geoff Abrahams said the results underline the bright future for female football at the club.
Our players and coaches have worked tirelessly this year, and their efforts have been rewarded with incredible improvement across every youth age group, and the successful results have been a bi-product of that” said Abrahams.
“Beyond the results, it has been inspiring to see so many of our girls gain national team recognition and experience in tournaments like the Emerging Matildas. This first season has laid a strong foundation, and we are excited to continue building a world-class pathway for the next generation of Matildas.”
Abrahams and the Wanderers will now pivot their attention to the upcoming Ninja A-League season with several squad announcements to be made in the coming weeks.
