SD Raiders celebrated a memorable day for the club’s female football program on the 6th of September, with both the Women’s U23s and Girls U18s claiming Grand Final victories following outstanding campaigns throughout the 2025 season.
Facing highly fancied opponents and overcoming significant challenges along the way, both sides showcased the character, resilience and quality to get the job done on the day.
U18 Girls Conquer League Leaders to Claim Grand Final Victory
The SD Raiders U18 Girls were crowned League Two Youth League Champions following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Hills United FC.
Having finished third during the regular season with an impressive record of 16 wins, 5 draws and 4 defeats, the Raiders entered the Finals series knowing they would need to overcome one of the competitions strongest sides. Standing in their way were Hills United, who had finished the season in first place.
The grand final proved a fitting showcase of the quality and determination of both teams. Locked at 1-1 after regulation time, neither side could be separated through extra time, sending the game to penalties. With the pressure at its highest, the Raiders remained composed from the spot to secure a 4-1 shootout victory and complete a memorable Championship-winning campaign.
The result underlined the character of the squad, who rose to the occasion against the competition leaders and demonstrated the resilience required to prevail on the biggest stage.
Women's U23s Complete Remarkable Finals Run to claim silverware
The SD Raiders Women’s U23s capped off a remarkable season by defeating South Coast Flame U23’s 1-0 in the League One Women’s U23s Grand Final at Valentine Sports Park.
In a match destined for extra time, it was Amelia Croft who delivered the decisive moment, finding the back of the net in the 92nd minute to secure the Championship and spark immense celebrations amongst players, coaches and supporters.
The triumph was the culmination of a season built on persistence and continuous improvement. After finishing fourth in the regular season with a record of 13 wins, 6 draws and 5 losses, the Raiders entered the Finals series determined to challenge the competition’s strongest sides.
A dominant 7-1 victory over Sutherland Strikers U23s on the 2nd of August provided significant momentum heading into the final series. The confidence carried into the post season, where the Raiders produced one of the standout performances of the year with a 2-0 victory over the Newcastle Jets, a side who had gone unbeaten during the regular season. With the belief growing within the group, the U23s continued their surge stringing togeather eight consecutive victories before delivering the ultimate prize in dramatic fashion against South Coast Flame.
The victory is a fitting reward for a group that continued to grow throughout the season and serves as another example of strength of the SD Raiders Womens pathway.
A Bright Future for Women's Football at SD Raiders
The success of both the U23s and U18 girls reflects the continued growth of the women’s program at SD Raiders and the strength of the clubs player development pathway.
From emerging youth talent to players preparing for senior football, the achievements of these two squads are a testament to the hard work of players, coaches, families and volunteers who contribute to the club every week.
With two Grand Final victories secured on the same day, the future of women’s football at SD Raiders has never looked brighter.