The Sydney FC Youth Academy has shown its quality across the NPL season, culminating in three grand final wins on Saturday.
The Sky Blue Academy were contesting four out of the five Grand Finals at Sydney United Sports Centre and the day’s action began with the U13’s which was a fantastic performance from Sydney FC, running out comfortable 6-1 victors against Western Sydney Wanderers Academy after the Red and Black were shown a red card in the 25th minute.
Next to take the field was the U15’s side who won 2-1 against the Central Coast Mariners in a tightly fought contest. In the end, the strength of the U15’s proved too strong for their northern neighbours and held on to back up their fantastic season in which they finished 3rd overall and amassed 17 wins.
Our U16’s took the field following the U15’s success and used that as motivation against the host team in Sydney United. It was a classic Grand Final between these two sides as they were locked 1-1 at half time and neither could find the breakthrough in the second 40. It took until the second period of extra time for a corner to be swung in and the back post volley was directed goal-ward and it which sparked mad celebrations for the club. They held on to win the match 2-1 and were rightly awarded the trophy. It was a credit to the team as they rallied with six of their players currently away with the U17 Young Socceroos.
It was commiserations for the U18’s side however, as they fell to a strong Western Sydney Wanderers team who found the go-ahead goal in the first half and was able to back it up with another in the second. It was a match-up between the top two sides in the league and while the quality of football that was played on the park was excellent, sadly the result didn’t fall the way of the Sky Blues.
It was a successful season for the Academy as they finished 3rd overall in the Club Championship which tallies the points across all Youth Grades. From 120 matches in four age groups, Sydney FC amassed 207 points which is a fantastic achievement and nods to the great development that the club is attempting to achieve by playing a consistent brand of football across all ages. Sydney FC enjoyed four wins out of five in grand finals including the U20’s success earlier this season.
Winning trophies is not the main goal of the Sydney FC Academy, we focus on player development. Unlike some other clubs, Sydney FC Academy don’t focus on a “win at all costs” and will rotate players throughout the match, ensuring players are allowed to play, aiding their full development.
Results:
Sydney FC U13’s 6-1 Western Sydney Wanderers U13’s
Central Coast Mariners U15’s 1-2 Sydney FC U15’s
Sydney United 58 U16’s 1-2 (AET) Sydney FC U16’s
Western Sydney Wanderers U18’s 2-0 Sydney FC U18’s
