Football NSW Announces New Association Championships to Launch in Mudgee
Football NSW is proud to announce the launch of the Football NSW Association Championships, a brand-new annual youth football tournament set to kick off in July 2026 in Mudgee, NSW.
This exciting new competition will replace the former Association Youth League (AYL) and serve as a celebration of grassroots football and player development across the state. The inaugural Championships will take place from Tuesday 7th to Thursday 9th July 2026 at the state-of-the-art Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex regarded as being one of NSW’s premier sporting venues.
Designed to showcase the strength of community football, each of Football NSW’s 31 Associations will have the opportunity to enter representative teams, giving young players the chance to compete against their peers from across the state.
The tournament will feature Boys Under 13 & Under 14 and Girls Under 14 & Under 15. Player eligibility will be limited to grassroots or community club-registered players within their Association.
Throughout the tournament, Football NSW will deliver referee coaching, a coach workshop, and player talent identification to support the ongoing development of young footballers and officials. Our match officials will be sourced from local Branches.
Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas said the introduction of the Association Championships marks an exciting new chapter for the game in New South Wales.
“The Football NSW Association Championships will provide a fantastic platform for our Associations to come together and celebrate the best of community football. This tournament is all about giving young players, coaches, and referees from every corner of the state a chance to shine and develop in a competitive, supportive environment,” Mr Tsatsimas said.
“We’re incredibly proud to launch this new initiative in Mudgee, a region that continues to grow and thrive. The support from Mid-Western Regional Council has been outstanding, and we look forward to working together to deliver a memorable event that showcases the power of football to unite communities.”
Football NSW extends its sincere thanks to the Mid-Western Regional Council for its incredible support and promotion of this new tournament. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering community engagement, regional growth and youth participation in sport.
Mid-Western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy said he is thrilled the Football NSW Association chose Mudgee to launch its new championship.
“It’s very exciting for our region and our venue to host the inaugural championships.
“We expect to welcome more than 1580 competitors and officials to Glen Willow Regional Sporting Complex across three days in July, playing on the same field that football legend John Aloisi, described as the best in Australia following a Brisbane Roar game.
“Football has growing engagement in our region with more than 550 kids registered, and to see and participate in a tournament like this in their own backyard is a major opportunity for our youth.”
Mudgee, one of regional NSW’s fastest-growing areas, continues to thrive as a destination of choice for families and visitors alike with its expanding housing developments, vibrant café scene, and strong commercial and lifestyle appeal. The town’s first-class facilities, including Glen Willow make it the perfect host for the launch of this exciting new competition.
The 2026 Championships will be held from 7th to 9th July 2026 at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex in Mudgee, NSW.
The event is delivered by Football NSW in partnership with Mid-Western Regional Council
