While elite on‑field competition remains the foundation of the CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships, the tournament continues to strengthen its role as a whole‑of‑game development platform through a program of workshops supporting players, coaches, referees, parents and football administrators.
A major focus of this year’s Championships was the expansion of High Performance Physical Testing through Perform+, giving national team staff and Member Federations deeper insight into the physical attributes of Australia’s next generation of talent.
Almost 500 players undertook testing during the Championships, mirroring the protocols used at professional and national team level.
Assessments included sprint speed, jump height and body measurements, providing objective data to complement technical and tactical analysis.
CommBank Junior Matildas head coach Michael Cooper said the testing continues to add meaningful context to player identification and long‑term development.
“The High Performance Physical Testing has been a great addition to the Emerging Matildas Championships,” Cooper said.
“It highlights the importance of physical performance at an elite level and helps us establish benchmarks for profiling.
“While not the deciding factor, it gives us key insights. Importantly, the information collected helps us to identify and develop training programs needed to support players’ growth through their journey to fulfil their potential.”
Football Australia General Manager of High Performance Andrew McKenzie said the Championships represent an important entry point to the national team pathway.
“The Emerging Championships are the start of the pathway for our National Teams and an important competition for selection for our U17 teams,” McKenzie said. “Introducing players to physical testing routines and the Perform+ program helps prepare them for what they may experience in future national team environments.”
Goalkeeper development was another key pillar of the workshop program, with specialist goalkeeper education sessions aimed at identifying and nurturing Australia’s next generation of CommBank Matildas shot‑stoppers.
Football Australia Goalkeeper Coach Educator Neil Tate said performance data plays a vital role in profiling young goalkeepers.
“Testing provides crucial data that allows us to profile physical and athletic potential for identifying future national team goalkeepers,” Tate said.
“We then use this information to guide training programs and individual development plans.”
Off the pitch, Football Australia continued its commitment to inclusion through the Multicultural Initiative and Gala Day, hosted in partnership with La Trobe University.
The initiative provided Australia’s newest communities with a welcoming football environment, highlighting the sport’s ability to connect participants through a shared love of the game.
At the grassroots end of the pathway, the Coles MiniRoos Come and Try Session introduced younger participants to football in a fun and accessible setting, reinforcing the Championships’ role in inspiring the next generation.
Education also extended to referees, with Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss leading workshops involving Member Federations and Championship coaches.
The program brought together the country’s most promising 16–19‑year‑old referees, providing exposure to tournament football and elite development expectations.
“These Championships provide an important opportunity for emerging referees to gain experience officiating matches at a national tournament level,” Moss said. “Hopefully we’ll see future A‑League and international referees emerge from this environment.”
Daily Technical Study Group meetings, led by Josh Kennedy and Ian Crook, brought coaches and technical directors together each morning to review match footage and discuss trends observed throughout the tournament.
Coach education remained a cornerstone of the Championships, with more than 70 coaches from across Victoria — ranging from C Licence to Pro Licence — attending a four‑hour education session.
FIFA High Performance specialist April Heinrichs spoke on talent identification from international and domestic perspectives, while Melbourne Victory A‑League Women head coach Jeff Hopkins focused on transitioning players into senior football.
Michael Cooper also shared insights into what CommBank Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro looks for within the Junior Matildas space.
A dedicated mentor program complemented the sessions, with four Member Federation coaches selected to work alongside Football Australia staff.
Additional workshops included HUDL Hub video analysis sessions led by National Teams staff, National Teams operational briefings and a CommBank Financial Services Parent Workshop designed to support families navigating the elite football pathway.
Together, the expanded program of workshops reinforces the CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships as more than a competition, positioning it as a critical development environment for Australia’s entire football ecosystem.
