Football NSW prepares for 2025 NAIDOC Cup
The Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation at Narrabeen is set to host the 2025 NAIDOC Cup commencing on the 8th of October and concluding on the 10th of October as part of a joint initiative held annually between Football NSW and Northern NSW Football celebrating First Nations culture and communities.
The NAIDOC Cup traditionally coincides with NAIDOC Week although due to the busy football calendar that’s been scheduled for July, both organisations wanted to give this prestigious tournament the respect it deserves by highlighting it with no major football tournaments taking place in early October.
“The NAIDOC Cup is more than just a football tournament; it’s a celebration of our culture, community and history,” says Football NSW Diversity, Inclusion and Club Development Coordinator Ellie Kerr.
“The 2025 NAIDOC Cup is shaping up to be an extraordinary event.
“Traditionally held in July, this year’s tournament is scheduled for October, offering a unique and exciting atmosphere to showcase the talent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
The inaugural NAIDOC Cup was in held in 2022 on Awabakal land at Northern NSW Football home of Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility and since then, Football NSW has held onto the trophy for the last three years.
The three-day tournament, which includes an opening ceremony on day one, will feature the U14 Girls, U14 Boys, U16 Girls and U16 Boys age groups and they will all go head-to-head to battle it out for the prestigious NAIDOC Cup.
Each of the eight matches will be shown live and exclusive on Football NSW’s YouTube channel.
Expressions of interest are also open to players and coaches wanting to be part of the 2025 NAIDOC Cup.
Also returning will be the jersey design competition with a $1000 prize for the successful indigenous artist plus their design highlighted on the FNSW shirts – entries for that to be made public soon.
