1 August 2025
Navy Football Federation Australia (Navy FFA) reaffirmed the vital role sport plays in Defence culture, mateship and resilience at the 2025 Forces in Football Showcase in Darwin.
Held in the lead-up to the ADF Football Championships, this year’s event delivered standout performances on the pitch, important engagement off it, and a powerful reminder of why sport matters to those who serve.
Leading into the showcase, men’s and women’s teams underwent an intensive training program in the Northern Territory with a focus on high-performance preparation, fitness and tactical cohesion.
Navy FFA director of football Lieutenant Commander Daniel King praised the players and staff.
“The calibre of training was top-tier, reflecting the professionalism and dedication of Navy FFA staff and players alike,” Lieutenant Commander King said.
This preparation translated directly into strong performances on game night, when the Navy women claimed a 5-1 victory and the men’s team secured a hard-fought 1-0 win.
These results marked Navy Football’s third consecutive win over Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D), a proud achievement built on consistency, effort and unity.
For the players and organisers, this annual match represents far more than football.
Held annually on July 4, the event strengthened the enduring partnership between the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Marine Corps.
The significance of playing on American Independence Day added a layer of mutual respect and reflection, honouring the shared values of service, resilience and camaraderie between nations.
In addition to the marquee matches, both squads participated in closed-door fixtures against the Northern Territory’s emerging Matildas and Socceroos squads – valuable preparation for the forthcoming national championships.
'It’s more than just football, it's connection, purpose and a reset for so many of us.'
The July 4 showcase drew an impressive crowd of more than 800 local spectators, with more than 1000 viewers tuning in online, highlighting the growing profile of Defence football in the Darwin community.
A standout feature of this year’s showcase was that more than 70 per cent of the players had never played football before for Navy.
Despite this, the squads demonstrated a high level of commitment, composure and a genuine sense of pride in representing Navy.
With a focus on the development of football at the grassroots level, this event confirmed the strong level of interest in football across all Navy ranks.
“It’s more than just football, it's connection, purpose and a reset for so many of us,” men’s team player Able Seaman Dylan Ho said.
“Events like this are crucial for morale and mental wellbeing. It’s a privilege to represent Navy and stand alongside a group that supports each other on and off the pitch.”
Seaman Bianca Noble was participating in her first Forces in Football Showcase.
“Being part of Navy Football provides us the platform to lead by example, showing that physical activity, teamwork and wellbeing go hand in hand,” Seaman Noble said.
“As my first time taking part in this event, I was blown away by the spirit and professionalism of everyone involved. The culture in Navy Football is something special.”
The success of this year’s showcase would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Chief Petty Officer Matthew Jacques, a Navy FFA Life Member and one of the longest-serving advocates for Navy Football.
Chief Petty Officer Jacques’ continued leadership and behind-the-scenes work were instrumental in the delivery of this event, and his legacy continues to shape the next generation of Navy footballers.
Navy FFA remains committed to promoting sport as a tool for mental wellbeing, resilience and community within the service.
Football continues to provide a powerful outlet for personnel to maintain fitness, forge connections, and build confidence through shared challenges and achievements.
If you’d like to join the Navy Football family, please express your interest via email to navyffa@resources.defence.gov.au
