Sydney FC officially launched their Isuzu UTE A-League 2025/26 Men’s and Ninja A-League 2025/26 Women’s seasons this morning at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney, in partnership with Business Sydney.
The event brought together the entire Sky Blue family, with all Sydney FC Men’s and Women’s players and staff joined by club owner Alina Barlow, Chairman Dr Jan Hendrik Voss, members of the board, and major Sydney FC partners.
Over 300 business and industry leaders from across Sydney and New South Wales attended, including The Hon Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work Health and Safety.
Players from both squads were presented with their jerseys for the 2025/26 campaign during the breakfast event, which also featured speeches from key club figures.
Chairman Dr Jan Hendrik Voss said the new season represented one of the most exciting periods in Sydney FC’s 20-year history.
“We’re incredibly excited to kick off what we believe will be the best season in our club’s 20-year history,” Dr Voss said.
“We’ve strengthened both squads with 22 new players across the men’s and women’s teams. It’s one of the youngest groups we’ve ever fielded — an incredible testament to our Sky Blue Pathways and Academy.
“We’ve also brought in top professionals with international experience and a club-first mentality, creating one of the best blends of youth and experience we’ve ever had.
“We’re aiming to extend our record to six A-League titles in both competitions.”
Men’s Head Coach Ufuk Talay and Captain Rhyan Grant spoke about the upcoming season opener against Adelaide United next Friday night.
“One thing that we definitely learned last year was that we needed that depth, and I think we’ve created that environment this year where we’ve doubled up and tripled up in some positions across the park,” Talay said.
“The first four games are very important for us … if we can pick up maximum points in the first four games, that would be great.”
Grant added with a smile about facing familiar opposition.
“I thought I had had enough of Craig [Goodwin] — it’s probably his fourth or fifth stint back at Adelaide, so it’s great to have him back in the league,” he said.
“He’s obviously a great player and has done so many good things, not only for the national team but also for the A-League. Our big focus is defence at the moment, making sure that we get him nullified.”
Women’s Captain Natalie Tobin believes the upcoming season will showcase Sydney FC’s next generation of talent.
“[They bring] fearlessness and energy. They’ve got that drive and hunger, especially with national team opportunities ahead of them,” Tobin said.
“Players like Caley have that pace and spark — they bring impact off the bench and real motivation. If they channel that energy into end product — goals, assists — then they’ll really impress.”
Head Coach Ante Juric also backed one of his young stars to make a major impression.
“I don’t usually single players out, but if I had to, I’d say Millie Cassar,” Juric said.
“I tried to get her last year, and she’s come in now and looks like a superstar in the making — similar to Kyra Cooney-Cross or Caitlin Foord at that age. She’s only 17, but she’s got real quality and will play a big role for us.”
Sydney FC’s Ninja A-League Women’s side begins their campaign at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, 1 November, against Melbourne City at 2:15pm, while the Men’s team opens their season against Adelaide United on Friday, 17 October.
