The Sydney FC U15 Academy team embarked on an impressive campaign at the Christchurch International Cup in Christchurch, New Zealand, emerging as the champions of the tournament. Over the course of three action-packed days, from Wednesday to Friday, the talented squad showcased their skills and secured victories in every match they played.
Hosted by Christchurch United at the renowned United Sports Centre, the Christchurch International Cup brought together competitive teams from various regions, providing an excellent platform for the young talents to test their mettle against formidable opponents.
In the group stage, the Sydney FC U15’s demonstrated their prowess with a flawless record, winning all three of their matches. The journey began with a convincing 3-0 victory over the host team, Christchurch United. Building on this solid start, the team displayed their attacking prowess with a remarkable 11-0 triumph against Nelson Suburbs in their second group stage encounter. In their final group stage game, they continued their dominant run, sealing a resounding 7-0 victory against Dunedin.
Carrying their winning momentum into the knockout stages, the U15’s produced outstanding performances. In the quarterfinals, they faced Nomads FC and secured a convincing 5-0 victory, displaying their ability to rise to the occasion. The semifinal clash against Western Springs was a tightly contested affair, but the Sky Blues emerged triumphant with a hard-fought 2-1 win, exhibiting their resilience and teamwork.
The grand final witnessed a memorable performance from the Sydney FC U15’s as they clinched the championship title with a resounding 3-0 victory over Fencibles United. Rhys Webster, Nickolas Alfaro, and Zac Harrison, who converted a penalty, were the heroes of the final, contributing the goals that sealed the remarkable triumph.
Zac Harrison’s outstanding form throughout the tournament earned him the prestigious Golden Boot award, as he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with an impressive tally of 13 goals. Additionally, Nickolas Alfaro was recognised for his exceptional contributions and named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, a testament to his skill and impact on the team’s success.
Well done to everyone involved with the Sydney FC U15’s in a great tournament.
