Sydney FC’s Academy has capped off a remarkable 2025 season by claiming six of the 11 major trophies on offer across the U13 to U18 competitions, underlining its reputation as one of the leading youth development programs in the country.
The Sky Blues secured two grand final wins, three league Championships, and the overall club Championship – more than any other club in the competition.
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APIA finished as the next closest with two trophies, while Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney United, and St George City each collected one.
Even Sydney FC’s combined goal difference in the U13-18 age groups is more than 100 goals better than the team with 2nd highest goal difference.
What makes the achievement even more impressive, according to Sydney FC Technical Director – Youth, Kelly Cross, is that silverware is not the primary goal of the Academy.
“Of course, we don’t consider winning as the main indicator in youth development,” Cross explained. “It’s a truly amazing achievement when the way we work is not focused on winning trophies – in fact, we do many things that actually make it harder for the teams to win.”
Players are regularly played in older age groups, and many of our U17 and U18 boys are either in A League squad, NPL 1st team or U20s.
Cross credited the Academy’s success to its unique collective approach, where teams are not run as isolated units but as part of a “whole academy” structure.
“We have always framed our academy as a collective project,” he said. “It means we all share responsibility when there’s a glitch and equally we all share the credit when there are successes. This way of working has served us well and I believe it sets us apart.”
The club’s senior academy continues to thrive despite facing tougher challenges in the NPL and U20 competitions by playing with much younger players, with Cross praising the professional environment fostered by staff.
He singled out Senior Academy lead Jim van Weeren and Junior Academy head coach Alex Watson – both foundation staff members since 2015 – as vital to the program’s consistency and success.
Cross also acknowledged the tireless work of staff member Jay Phouisangiem and volunteer managers Rob and Jarek, describing them as “true heroes among us” whose efforts were deeply appreciated.
With the Academy celebrating its 10th anniversary since its inception at Allianz Stadium, Cross says the focus remains clear: to provide an environment where young players can thrive.
“I am deeply proud of our academy staff for creating a fantastic environment in which young players can enjoy the game they love,” he said.
