Positive Start for Northern Suburbs FA as Participation and Pathways Shine
The Northern Suburbs Football Association has enjoyed a positive and progressive start to the 2026 season, with strong momentum building both on and off the field across community football, infrastructure advocacy, and development pathways.
A key focus for the association early in the year has been the ongoing push for improved facilities, highlighted by recent discussions with local council regarding the proposed upgrade of Norman Griffiths Oval to a synthetic surface.
NSFA CEO David Taylor emphasised the broader community impact of such developments.
“Norman Griffiths serves our entire community. It’s a place that gives year-round access to all residents and users. Women and girls’ participation continues to grow season on season—this is not a project for one club or one sport. This is a project for the next generation of kids and families who want access to a field close to home,” he said.
NSFA President Nicole Cole echoed the importance of shared facilities in supporting participation across the region.
“These fields are shared assets, used by multiple clubs and visiting teams. Having a field out of service has a tangible impact on family time, participation rates, travel distance, fuel costs, and overall access to sport,” she said.
The advocacy reflects a broader understanding within the association that access to quality facilities—particularly synthetic fields—is critical to sustaining participation and accommodating continued growth, especially within the women’s and girls’ game.
Community Engagement on the Big Stage
Adding to the excitement of the early season, several NSFA clubs were involved in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, gaining invaluable exposure to elite football environments.
Clubs including North Turramurra FC, Berowra FC, and Mount Colah FC contributed ball kids to the tournament, while Lane Cove West FC participated in referee match training. These experiences provided young players and officials with a unique opportunity to engage with the game at the highest level.
Showcasing Local Talent
Pre-season also saw the return of the Association Select matches, where NSFA’s top players from the Men’s and Women’s Premier League competitions faced off against neighbouring associations.
These fixtures continue to highlight the strength of community football, bringing together elite grassroots talent and showcasing the quality, sportsmanship, and teamwork within the local game.
Celebrating the Pathway
A standout initiative in 2026 has been the introduction of the Grassroots Recognition Round, delivered in partnership with the Northern Tigers.
The round celebrated players who began their journeys within NSFA clubs and have progressed to represent the association at a higher level. In a powerful visual tribute, players wore their junior club jerseys during pre-match warm-ups—highlighting the strength of the pathway from community football to representative levels.
Leadership for the Future
Off the field, the association also marked a significant milestone with the appointment of Nicole Cole as President, becoming just the second woman in NSFA history to hold the position.
With a deep connection to grassroots football, Cole brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to representing community clubs and driving positive outcomes across the association.
With a clear focus on infrastructure, participation, and development pathways, the Northern Suburbs Football Association has laid a strong foundation for the 2026 season one built on community, opportunity, and a vision for continued growth.
