The AFL has officially unveiled the schedule for the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships, showcasing the most talented young footballers in the nation. The competitions, which span from April to August, will feature the Under 16 and Under 18 championships for both boys and girls, as the AFL aims to give young athletes a platform to demonstrate their skills on a national stage.
AFL Head of Talent, Nicky Couston, commented on the significance of the event, stating, “The Marsh AFL National Championships are the highest standard of representative football for young footballers and present players the chance to showcase their talent to a national audience.” He added, “The AFL is committed to providing a pathways system that enables players to reach their full potential and we are thrilled to give our talented young athletes the opportunity to represent their states and territories.”
The Under 16 Girls National Development Championships will kick off the season on Sunday, April 6, 2025, and run until Thursday, April 17. It will feature ten teams divided into two pools. Each team is scheduled to play two matches, with three double-headers included in the schedule, which signals a growing commitment to women’s football in Australia.
The Under 16 Boys competition will begin shortly after on June 9, 2025, with similar logistics. The ten teams will also compete in two pools. Matches during the final two rounds will be held on the Gold Coast, enhancing the event's appeal to local fans.
In the Under 18 divisions, the boys’ competition is set to commence on June 1, 2025, with a match between the Allies and South Australia in New South Wales. This series will include a five-team round-robin format in which each team plays against their counterparts, concluding with the anticipated Vic Country versus Vic Metro clash on July 20.
For the Under 18 Girls National Championships, this year marks a notable change, as each team will now face four opponents instead of three. This expansion will see the tournament feature six teams: Allies, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria Country, Victoria Metro, and Western Australia, playing from June 22 until August 10. The official fixtures for this tournament are expected to draw significant attention as each team aims to outshine the rest.
The opening games of the Under 18 Girls Championships will feature:
- June 22: Victoria Country vs. Allies at 9:45 AM
- June 22: Western Australia vs. Queensland at 11:45 AM
- June 22: Victoria Metro vs. South Australia at 1:45 PM
Meanwhile, the first match of the Under 18 Boys competition features:
- June 1: Allies vs. South Australia at 12:00 PM
As the tournaments get underway, the excitement builds and the commitment to developing young athletes among all teams is apparent. Each match plays a vital role in fostering talent in Australian football, offering opportunities for players to climb the ranks towards professional careers.
In summary, the AFL's release of the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships schedule reinforces its dedication to enhancing youth football across Australia. With the combination of new formats, wider participation, and comprehensive support for the next generation, it sets the stage for thrilling competition and the development of future stars in the sport.
