AJAX Junior Football Club: 2025 Season Wrap

Club Snapshot

2025 was another huge year for AJAX JFC, with 33 teams across the club. For the first time, they proudly fielded four girls teams, alongside three U18 boys sides – a big step forward in participation and pathways. The club continues to grow its reputation as a family club, powered by parents, coaches, team managers, umpires, volunteers, and supporters who stood on the sidelines week in, week out.

Milestones and Achievements

This was a season to remember, with eight AJAX teams qualifying for grand finals and four taking home premiership flags.

U17.5 Boys Comets (Div 1): Produced one of the club’s greatest ever wins – a two-point thriller over Bentleigh. It was the first AJAX Division 1 U18 premiership, this was a team effort with the boys digging deep when it counted to take home the league’s most sought-after cup.
U15 Boys Comets (Div 2): Claimed premiership glory with a 23-point win over East Brighton. Tackling pressure, leadership, and composure carried them to the ultimate glory with the week’s mantra: “Don’t Overthink It”.
U13 Rockets (Div 4): This defensively minded squad prevailed in a low-scoring arm wrestle, having been well-trained all season in what to do in close finishes. The season of hard work saw the players get their just reward.
U11 Mixed Stars (Div 3): Finished their undefeated season in style, edging out a very gallant Prahran unit in extremely difficult, almost gale-like conditions. Marking the end of this great team, these boys will now move into grading from next season.
U10 Rockets (Lightning premiership): Capped off their brilliant season with a well-deserved lightning premiership victory. Showcasing mountains of grit and determination across three games, they conceded only one goal through relentless pressure and exceptional team commitment, with literally every player contributing to this memorable triumph.

While winning is worth celebrating, it’s just as much about effort, participation, and consistency. This season saw countless 50- and 100-game milestones, each a proud moment for players and families. Well done to everyone involved!

Programs and Club Culture

Family moments stood out across the season. On Father’s Day, the U11 Girls unveiled a Father’s Day banner for their dads, while Coach Phil Goldberg pulled a surprise by revealing his original ’80s AJAX guernsey under his jacket, sparking plenty of laughs and nostalgia. Mother’s Day had its own flair when U11 Sharks coach Dave Gelbart handed every mum a rose after the game (such a thoughtful gesture!).

Tradition and community also had a strong presence. Shofars sounded across the ground before finals in the lead up to Rosh Hashanah, while players were often spotted laying tiffilin before or after training. The club marked Yom HaShoah in partnership with the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and Maccabi Victoria’s #justlikeyou campaign, with survivors Wolf Deane and Rona Zinger joining players and families. AJAX juniors who are descendants of survivors shared their own reflections, making it deeply meaningful.

The All Things Equal canteen became a hub on Sundays, serving snags, coffees, and plenty of treats. Just as important, it provided real-world training for pre-employment trainees who gained skills in hospitality while connecting with the AJAX community.

Every week also brought small but memorable touches of club life. Coach Corey famously left three-quarter time in the Division 1 U18 grand final match to play his qualifier game for seniors. After celebrating their own win, his U18 players ran down to support him and make a guard of honour as he took to the field.

Volunteers kept everything running from team managers and runners to water carriers, coaches, and umpires. Parents stood rugged up on the sidelines through rain and cold, cheering on every contest. The club is deeply grateful for the dedication and support of its many volunteer parents and families.

What’s Next

Looking ahead to 2026, AJAX JFC is focused on:

Building on the momentum of girls football, growing participation, community and a culture of girls football.
Continued partnerships with SMJFL, Sandy Dragons and Interleague to support players pathways.
Continuing to build their professional coaching programs
Continue to build stronger partnerships and pathways with the senior club