The Bathurst Cup pre-season tournament proved a fantastic opportunity for our Association Youth League (AYL) teams to test themselves against local, AYL and NPL competition, providing valuable preparation ahead of the FNSW AYL season kick-off next weekend. Our teams demonstrated impressive skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament, making the Macarthur football community proud. Here’s a recap of their performances:
Under 13s Show Promise: Our Under 13s displayed great potential, narrowly missing out on finals qualification. Their resilience and teamwork were evident, culminating in a hard-fought draw against NPL club, Gungahlin United. This performance signals a bright future for the team and suggests they are building towards a successful 2025 season.
Under 14s Unbeaten Run: The Under 14s were a force to be reckoned with, going undefeated throughout the tournament. Despite their impressive record, they unfortunately missed out on the finals due to goal difference. Their quality was on full display, including a solid 0-0 draw against NPL powerhouse North West Sydney Spirit FC. The team’s strong showing bodes well for a dominant season ahead.
Under 15s Reach Grand Final: Our Under 15s enjoyed a stellar tournament, cruising through their group stage undefeated with a series of impressive wins. They continued their winning streak with a commanding 3-0 victory over a strong Lindfield FC in the semi-final. Their journey culminated in a grand final appearance against NPL club South Coast Flame. While they ultimately fell 4-0 in the final, their overall tournament performance was exceptional and highlights their potential for a fantastic 2025 season.
Under 16s Battle Hard: The Under 16s faced a mixed bag of results but showcased their fighting spirit with a notable win against North West Sydney Spirit FC. Despite their efforts, they finished just outside the qualifying positions for the semi-finals. The tournament provided valuable experience and insights that the team will undoubtedly use to improve throughout the upcoming season.
Under 18s Dominate but Unlucky: Our Under 18s were a dominant force in their group, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. Their highlight was a convincing 2-1 victory over NPL club Spirit FC. Unfortunately, a washed-out game proved costly, as they narrowly missed out on semi-final qualification due to goal difference. Their strong performances, however, clearly demonstrate their ability and potential for the 2025 season.
A Proud Showing for Macarthur Football. Congratulations to all our AYL teams who participated in the Bathurst Cup! You represented the Macarthur football community with pride and professionalism, demonstrating the talent and dedication of our young players. We look forward to seeing your continued success in the upcoming FNSW AYL season.
