Football, travel, teamwork and an unforgettable experience in Sydney.
In 2025, Mako Sharks travelled across the Tasman to compete in the Sydney International Cup, combining high-level tournament football with an unforgettable overseas experience for our young players.
Competing with Confidence
On the pitch, our players showed that they were more than ready to compete.
Mako Sharks went unbeaten throughout the group stage, finishing second in the group only on goal difference and progressing to the knockout rounds.
The team continued to show great confidence and competitiveness before our tournament journey came to an end in the semi-final after a penalty shootout.
The result was disappointing, but the performances throughout the tournament showed the quality, character and competitive spirit of our young players. Playing against unfamiliar opposition in a different football environment was a valuable test — and one the team embraced.
More Than Football
The Sydney trip was never only about the tournament.
Away from the pitch, the team explored the city together, visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House, spending a day at Taronga Zoo, enjoying Sydney's beautiful coastline and beaches, and experiencing the city as a group.
One of the highlights was also attending an AFC Champions League match live, giving our young players the opportunity to experience professional Asian football from the stands and see the game from a different perspective.
Experiences That Help Players Grow
For Mako Sharks, overseas tournaments are about much more than wins and losses.
Travelling together, sharing new experiences, adapting to a different environment and competing against teams from outside New Zealand are all important parts of a young player's development.
The 2025 Sydney International Cup gave our players exactly that — great football, strong competition, new experiences, friendships and memories that went far beyond the tournament itself.
We were proud of the way our players represented Mako Sharks both on and off the pitch.
Compete. Explore. Experience. Grow. 🦈⚽
We look forward to creating more opportunities for our young players to experience football beyond New Zealand.