2026 NAIDOC Cup: Player and Coach EOIs Now Open
Football NSW will host trials for the 2026 NAIDOC Cup, providing a pathway for selected Indigenous footballers aged 13 to 16 to represent the state at the prestigious annual event.
The trials will take place on Saturday 18 July at Valentine Sports Park from 6:30pm to 8:00pm, with players invited to submit expression of interests to be eligible for selection.
EOIs are also open for coaches to join the Football NSW technical staff for the tournament.
This year’s NAIDOC Cup will be held at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, the home of Northern NSW Football, from Tuesday 29 September to Thursday 1 October.
Football NSW’s Diversity, Inclusion and Club Development Coordinator Ellie Kerr said the Cup continues to play an important role in celebrating First Nations communities through football.
“The NAIDOC Cup is a significant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, recognising the strength, history and contributions of First Nations peoples,” Kerr said.
“Through football, it brings communities together and promotes inclusion and respect. We are excited to head to Northern NSW and embrace the challenge as we aim to bring the trophy back.”
The NAIDOC Cup continues to provide a meaningful representative pathway for Indigenous footballers across the state, while celebrating culture, connection, and community through the game.
