Victoria has once again proven itself as one of the top states for junior talent and development in Australia, following a strong performance at the 2024 National Youth Championships (NYC).
Both the boys’ and girls’ competitions, played in Wollongong and Melbourne respectively, saw hundreds of the country’s most talented young footballers compete not only for silverware, but identification from youth national team selectors and coaches.
Victoria took out the Under 15 Boys title for the second year running with a 2-0 victory over South Australia, capping off a tremendously successful few weeks of football for the state at the 2024 National Youth Championships (NYC).
And whilst bringing home a trophy is undoubtedly cause for celebration, U15 White Assistant coach Paul Iakovakis is looking for longer term when awarding his praise.
“The standard of football was absolutely incredible, in particular the Victorian boys, who actually shined, it was really good to see,” he said.
“One of the highlights is the pathway that this tournament produces for these players, into the Australian Youth National teams.”
On July 31, Football Australia announced a 24-player squad for the U17 Joeys, set to play against the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu U19s on a tour in mid-August.
Almost a third of those selected, played for Victoria at the NYC.
“That’s just an awesome reflection on the Victorian football youth setup which provides that pathway for these players to be able to be exposed to these national coaches in a tournament like this,” said Paul Iakovakis.
“That for me is probably the most pleasing aspect, the fact that we have had good representation in the Australian squads based on what they’ve seen at the tournaments this year.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Boys Talent Development Manager Sean Gale, who says progression opportunities stand above any short-term success.
“Our measures of success for them is not on the winning and losing. They’re 14 and 15-year-old boys, they’re not professional players” he said.
“We took six teams up to Wollongong in 2024, that’s 102 players representing Regional & Metropolitan Victoria. Credit to all the players, coaching staff & medical team for their efforts during the week.
“Players progressing, that’s what we look for. So, whether that’s progressing in their club environment, whether that’s progressing in an A-League academy environment or putting on the green and gold.”
Whilst there were plenty of standout performances, special mentioned should go to Sevdim Nabusevski and Oskar Von Schrenk who won goalkeeper of the tournament in the U15s and U16s respectively.
The U15 and U16 girls team showed great resilience on the final day, bouncing back from a tough loss in their respective Semi-Finals, to claim bronze medals.
U16 Head coach, Seb Zancan says that whilst the players would’ve loved to have achieved more to finish the week; to respond the way they did to claim third place was great to see.
“Aside from that Semi-Final game where we weren't at our best, we had a pretty good week and happy with some of the individual and team performances we put forward,” he said.
“You can see the disappointment on the players’ faces after the [semi-final] game … but it was great to respond with a positive performance and result in the third-place game against Queensland.
“It was nice to finish the week strongly and [was a] good reflection of our week as a whole.”
The Under 15 girls Blue team had a similar experience, defeat to Queensland Maroon in the semi-finals, they came back the next day, prevailing on penalties over Northern NSW to claim bronze in both girls’ categories.
Whilst either semifinal didn’t go the way the teams would’ve liked, Zancan says the ultimate goal of the tournament was fulfilled, with many standout performers putting their hands up to be recognised on the national stage.
“The primary purpose of the tournament is talent identification for the players, so we’re looking to get players identified and guide their progression to the next stage” said Zancan.
“Whatever that may look like whether it be national team recognition or putting them in a position for a professional contract in the future, we want to showcase our talent.”
The impressive showing of the U15 White team – a competition where Victoria ordinarily only submits one team - in fifth place, highlights the strength of depth the state has to offer in this age group.
“Fifth place was a really good achievement and result of their hard work throughout the week. They had some solid performances and were rewarded with some good results and very competitive in all of their matches.” said Zancan.
The White team were complimented by an exciting group of U14 players, commendably competing above their current age group.
The recent move to annual U17 World Cups ensures this crop of talented juniors will have great opportunity to put themselves forward for national team selection in future.