Manly Warringah FA Builds for the Future as 2026 Season Kicks Off
The Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA) has officially launched its 2026 grassroots season alongside a new three-year strategy covering 2026 to 2028, setting a clear direction focused on strengthening community football, improving coach development, expanding pathways, and enhancing the organisation’s overall profile and leadership.
The strategy is designed to build on the strong foundations of football across the Northern Beaches, with a renewed emphasis on supporting clubs, players and volunteers at every level of the game.
A key feature of MWFA’s direction is the continued investment in player development through the newly launched Emerging Talent Pathway program, delivered in partnership with Manly United FC. The program provides identified players within the association with access to a high-performance training environment aligned with Manly United’s coaching standards, facilities and football philosophy, helping bridge the gap between community and elite football.
Women’s football continues to be a major success story across the MWFA, with female competitions remaining the largest women’s sporting program on the Northern Beaches.
In 2026, the association has also placed increased focus on growing the number of female coaches and referees as part of its long-term commitment to participation and leadership pathways in the women’s game.
MWFA’s long-standing community foundations are also being celebrated in 2026, with two of its oldest clubs marking major milestones. Dee Why FC will celebrate 80 years of football, while Manly Vale FC reaches its 75-year anniversary, highlighting the deep history and community connection that continues to underpin football across the region.
The association’s coach education programs have also seen significant demand, with Foundation of Football and MiniRoos courses consistently reaching capacity. The strong uptake has been supported by MWFA’s Coach Education Lead Chris Semaan, whose work has helped strengthen engagement across clubs through sold-out courses, waiting lists, and increased club-based delivery. Semaan has also played a key role in building stronger club-association relationships through regular visits and support at community events.
As the 2026 season gets underway, MWFA’s focus remains firmly on growth, opportunity and connection, ensuring football continues to thrive across every corner of the Northern Beaches.
