Football Australia Launches Under-15 National Teams to Strengthen Elite Pathways

Football Australia has announced the establishment of its youngest-ever national programs, introducing boys’ and girls’ Under-15 National Select sides to compete in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™.

Commenting on the importance of the campaign, Football Australia executive director of Football, Heather Garriock, said: “It’s been a fantastic year for our National Youth Teams and youth football in general, and great progress has been made.”

“Seeing both the Joeys and Junior Matildas qualify for their World Cups shows the depth of talent coming through our pathways right now.

“Adding these Under-15 programs is the next logical step and it’s wonderful to give aspiring young footballers early exposure to international football.

“These U-15 and U-17 players are sitting right in the sweet spot for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

“The boys will be exactly the right age to form the core of the Under-23 Olyroos, and we hope it’s the start of a long international journey for many.

“We’re excited to have Michael lead the new Football Australia department, which will lead the national approach to talent identification and development to help strengthen the National Teams.”

Incoming lead – coach, Michael Cooper, transitioning fully after the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, detailed the operational approach.

“I look forward to taking on the new role, while focusing on our immediate goal of making an impact with the Junior Matildas at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Morocco.”

“Our aim is to connect the various stages of the Australian football ecosystem – from schools, grassroots and community football through to clubs, Member Federations, A-League academies and national programs – to the national team pathway.

“This aligns closely with Football Australia’s current Talent Development Scheme, which emphasises multiple entry points, repeated observations and long-term monitoring of players.

“The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival will be a key part of the department’s processes and will link to the CommBank Emerging Championships.

“It will be exciting to lay the foundations for our youngest teams’ first entry into international football, where they will have an opportunity to face different nations and varying styles from all over the world,” Cooper said.

The boys’ team will feature in Azerbaijan this October, with the girls’ squad debuting next year ahead of annual scheduling in 2028. To oversee this framework, Junior Matildas coach Michael Cooper, has been appointed Pathways Talent Identification Lead, aligning development with the Talent Development Scheme and targeting success for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.