Kilkenny takes plenty from strong showing at nationals

After coaching the WA State Boys U16s to successive national finals, there is much for Neil Kilkenny to reflect on.

The satisfaction that squads from Western Australia have performed so strongly at back-to-back CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships. And encouragement that players from the State are learning about the requirements of competing at the highest levels.

But for the ultra-competitive Kilkenny, there is also a feeling that another one has got away.

“Obviously, getting to the final is an achievement, and I want to recognise the efforts of all the players and coaches in having such a good tournament,” he said. “We were going against some of the best young players in the country and we gave a very good account of ourselves.

“It was a good test for the boys to churn out games day after day. There was a demand on them, and it gave them a bit of experience in a pressured situation.

“There is also the player development side. I want us to produce players with a winning mindset, and there’s nothing better than actually winning competitions to give you that.”

As well as State U16s coach, former Socceroo Kilkenny leads the Boys Program at the Football West Academy. Many of those players were in the State U15s team who also performed in Sydney.

He said: “The 15s did well, they were very competitive and there are definitely encouraging signs for next year.

“They’ve now got that experience of competing in a tournament and it’s going to help them. Not just the games but things like being around the hotel, how to look after themselves away from the game, and what you have to do to back up and prepare for the next game.

“As for playing, I think they will now realise what we have been speaking about in terms of standards. Things you might get away with week in, week out, you won’t get away with against the best of the best in terms of at their age in Australia.

“Across the board in WA, we have to get better in possession. We have to get better on the ball. People say don’t put pressure on, but that comes with being in a high-performance program, you have to deal with that. And they will. Playing in these tournaments will help them.”

Football West Football Development Manager Gareth Naven, who is the overall head of the State Team and Academy programs, said: “As highlighted by Neil Kilkenny, the WA State U15 group, led by John Walmsley, enters the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships with an understanding of the importance of their first exposure to national-level football. With six games in six days, the tournament brings a clear step-up in intensity and expectation, requiring players to adapt quickly to the demands of elite competition.

“This experience is an important stepping stone, balancing performance and development. It prepares players for U16 level while reinforcing the standards needed to compete against the best in the country. Beyond the games, it also builds key habits required to transition from promising players into high-performance athletes.

“Importantly, for the Boys and Girls State Team program, final placings are not the sole measure of success. At this level, margins are minimal and results often come down to small moments. Success is defined by player development, consistent performance, and how well individuals and the team adapt while positioning themselves for future national team opportunities.”