The U14s and U16s teams finished top of the table after the Home and Away season, while the U15s and U18s were runners-up. No less than 11 players across the Club’s junior teams were picked for the Junior Matildas or other national teams, while 24 players appeared at the Emerging Matildas Tournament.
For good measure, the U23s also came runner’s up in their competition. The First Grade team had their challenges, but finished the season with five wins.
The Red & Black’s Academy Techincal Director Geoff Abrahams was thrilled with the achievements in 2025.
“Our players and coaches have worked tirelessly this year, and their efforts have been rewarded with incredible improvement across every youth age group, and the successful results have been a bi-product of that” said Abrahams on the Club’s website.
“Beyond the results, it has been inspiring to see so many of our girls gain national team recognition and experience in tournaments like the Emerging Matildas.
“This first season has laid a strong foundation, and we are excited to continue building a world-class pathway for the next generation of Matildas.”
Abrahams also coaches the A-League Women’s team, who begin their new campaign next month.
Meanwhile, Nikkita Fazzari had the distinction of being the first player from the Wanderers’ Academy to win an A-Leagues contract, with the 17-year-old North West Sydney Koalas junior enjoying a stellar season in the NPLW.
Fazzari, who is a midfielder/winger, will take her place alongside club legends like Olivia Price, Danika Matos and Amy Harrison.
Abrahams was proud of Fazzari’s story.
“This is an exciting story for everyone involved in our Women’s and Girls Programs. Nikkita is the first of many that will progress from our academy to our A-Leagues squad,” he said.
“There will be a lot of proud academy coaches and staff, and I think everyone saw very early on the exciting talent that is Nikkita.
“She’s made steps throughout the NPL season and we think the timing is right to bring her into the A-Leagues set-up.
“She will be the first of a few players this season and many more in the future.”
Fazzari herself was beaming at the opportunity presented to her, speaking glowingly on the Club’s website about how the Academy program has developed her as a footballer.
“Coming through the Wanderers Girls Academy gave me the perfect foundation to grow as a player and a person. I was lucky enough to train alongside the A-League Women’s squad, and form day one, I was welcomed into a professional environment where I felt both supported and challenged,” said Fazzari.
“That experience (with the A-Leagues team) really cemented my goal. This is where I want to be and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take this next step.
“This season, I’m focused on learning as much as I can from the experienced players around me and pushing myself both physically and mentally. I want to continue growing my game and contribute to the team.”
Fazzari will be hoping to help the Wander Women make finals for the first time since 2019-20, which is the only time in the Club’s history they have experienced post season action.
She pledged her commitment to the cause: “To all the incredible Wanderers’ members and fans, your support makes me proud to play for this Club and I can’t wait to give everything for this badge.”
