From Australia to the Lagoon: Brisbane City FC U15 and U14 Girls Shine at Lido di Venezia

Hosted by the VNL Football Academy from December 4 to 15, the young Australian players enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience of training at Lido, exploring Venice by gondola, and playing three exciting friendlies against Sassuolo, AC Milan, and Fiorentina.

From December 4 to 15, the Lido di Venezia became the Italian home of the Brisbane City Football Club’s U15 and U14 girls’ team. Welcomed by the VNL Football Academy, the young athletes were treated to an unforgettable blend of football, culture, and beauty—an experience destined to stay with them for years to come.

Throughout their stay, the girls trained in one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable: a pitch overlooking the Venetian lagoon, where every session felt like a fusion of technique and magic. Between practices, they explored the city, including a gondola tour that offered a close-up encounter with the history, art, and timeless charm of Venice.

But the heart of their journey was the chance to compete against some of the most renowned clubs in Italian women’s football. On December 6, they faced Sassuolo in a friendly match, followed—on the very same day—by the extraordinary opportunity to watch the Serie A clash between Sassuolo and Fiorentina live. On December 8, they took on AC Milan, and on December 11 they closed their Italian tour with a match against Fiorentina, completing a trio of games that enriched them both technically and personally.

Filled with emotion, growth, and moments of pure wonder, the Brisbane City U15 and U14 team’s Italian adventure became an unforgettable journey. A bridge between two distant football worlds, united by passion for the game and a shared commitment to building new opportunities for the future of international women’s football.

If you were one of the players on the trip or a parent and you’d love to relive those unforgettable moments, click here to view the photo gallery and download your favorite memories.

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