The inaugural Northern NSW Football Community State Youth Championships wrapped up on Wednesday with seven teams crowned champions.
The best community footballers from across northern NSW represented their respective member zones across the three-day tournament held at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
Boys and girls aged 11 to 16 were in action, with the tournament created specifically for community footballers.
NNSWF worked with member zones to find the optimal competition structure for each division based on the differing number of teams in each age group. Teams competed in a round robin style tournament, with some age groups culminating in a grand final while others were decided by points table.
All member zones were invited to take part with Hunter Valley Football, Newcastle Football and Macquarie Football entering teams in the 2022 tournament. Football Far North Coast elected not to participate this year following the floods in northern NSW.
The standard of football was excellent, especially considering the inclement weather that hit Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility for most of the tournament.
Northern NSW Football General Manager Football Operations Liam Bentley said the tournament had been a wonderful opportunity for community footballers to shine.
“The weather was obviously not ideal with the rain and cold but you wouldn’t have known judging by the smiles on the faces of the players,” Bentley said.
“We’ve received overwhelming positive feedback about the concept from those there were here either playing or watching. We’d love for the tournament to grow in 2023 with all our member zones taking part.
“Thank you to all the teams that were involved as well as our match officials who did an outstanding job. Congratulations to the winners. He hope to see you again next year.”
See more photos of the tournament on NNSWF’s social media channels.
2022 Community State Youth Championships winners
Under-12s Girls – Newcastle Football (final)
Under-12s Boys – Newcastle Football (points table)
Under-13/14s Girls – Newcastle Football/Macquarie Football (points table)
Under-13s Boys – Macquarie Football (two-leg final)
Under-14s Boys – Newcastle Football (points table)
Under-15/16s Girls – Newcastle Football (points table)
Under-15/16s Boys – Hunter Valley Football (points table)
