After six rounds of the second-tier state competition, three of the four NIF sides sit in the top three of their respective divisions.

The under-13s are leading the way. Unbeaten so far they are looking a class above their rivals after thrashing second-placed Cooks Hill United FC 5-nil in Tamworth on Sunday.

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"They're playing really good football at the moment for quite a young team," NIF technical director Howard Stubbs said.

They have been almost like a fort in defence, conceding only two goals. At the other end they have been just as impressive scoring 46 goals.

The under-14s also picked up the points against Cooks Hill, albeit in dramatic fashion, James White scoring in the last minute of the game to give them a 2-1 win and put them in second.

Stubbs said they were pressing hard to get the win and had a couple of other chances but nothing eventuated from them.

The under-15s didn't fare as well going down 3-nil. Stubbs said it was a tough loss.

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"They lost a player early on to a bit of an ankle injury and had to rejig the backline," he said.

"Again they are still playing good football and there's some exciting young players in the 15s side."

Finishing the day off the under-16s played out a scoreless draw.

Currently sitting in third, it was their second draw in as many games and was "a game of many chances".

They had the majority of the play but just couldn't finish. Some they were closer than others, hitting the cross-bar a couple of times.

Stubbs also noted the efforts of Aiden Hindmarsh in goals.

"He pulled off some very very good saves, especially in the first half," he said.

The under-12s meanwhile beat Mid Coast FC North 3-1 to record their first win of their Skill Acquisition Program campaign.

They are this weekend off to Lake Macquarie to tackle the Newcastle SAP Rangers, while the four Northern League One sides will do battle with South Cardiff in Tamworth.