Day one of the 2025 National Futsal Championships in Melbourne is in the books, and what a spectacular day of futsal those in attendance were treated to.
The State Netball and Hockey Centre was buzzing from the moment the gates were opened at 7:30am, with over 3,000 players, family members and fans in attendance across the day cheering on the best players from around the country.
While the first game of the tournament kicked-off at 8am, play was halted at 11am for the official opening ceremony of NFC25 on pitch one, with representatives from Football Australia and Football Victoria saying a few words following a stirring Acknowledgment of Country.
Let's shine a spotlight on some of the standout individual and team performances across the day.
Standout performances
- The Football NSW Thunder under 12 boys opened their 2025 tournament with a resounding 9-0 win over their cross-town rivals Football NSW Country. Alesana Dickson was the star, scoring four goals for the match.
- Joseph Colak scored a hat-trick of his own for Football Victoria Navy's under 13 boys, leading his team to an 8-0 win over Football South Australia.
- Football Queensland AWD had a dream start to the championships, with both the Maroon and White sides getting the better of Football NSW Lightning and Thunder respectively.
- One of the games of the day was played on pitch one, where the under 16 boys Football Tasmania team drew 2-2 with Football NSW Thunder. It was hard not to be impressed with the defensive efforts of Archie Maundrill, who threw himself into every contest of the thrilling match.
- Another game that had the crowd on the edge of their seats happened in the Under 15 girls competition, where Football South Australia and Northern New South Wales Football played out a 3-2 thriller in-front of a big Pitch 1 crowd.
- Football NSW Metro under 15 boys scored an incredible 18 goals in their tilt against Football South Australia, good for the most goals scored in a single match for the day.
- Grant Lynch and Football New South Wale's Open Mens side picked up exactly where they left off in 2024, with the reigning champs defeating Football Victoria Navy 7-1. Lynch starred for the Thunder, slotting four goals.
Congratulations to all the teams who played today. It really was a brilliant start to the tournament. We're looking forward to all the action from Day 2, which kicks-off at 8am, local time, tomorrow.
Thank you to all of our photographers who were in attendance today and please check back throughout the night and tomorrow morning as all the pictures from today's play are uploaded in the below folder.