Forbes Gala Day 2026 Breaks Records in Regional Football Celebration
Forbes Gala Day 2026 has been hailed as a huge success, with one of the largest regional football gatherings in New South Wales bringing together players, families and communities from across the state.
A total of 100 teams and approximately 1,500 boys and girls took part in the event, with an estimated 4,000–5,000 family members travelling from across regional centres including Leeton, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, Cootamundra, Young, Orange, Lachlan, Dubbo and Bathurst to be part of the massive weekend of football.
The event showcased the strength and growth of grassroots football in regional NSW, with high-quality competition across all age groups and a strong community atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Adding to the occasion was special guest of honour and former Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni, who spent time engaging with players and families, posing for photos and supporting the next generation of football talent.
Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller also attended the Gala Day and took part in the traditional Socceroos song alongside more than 200 children, embracing the community spirit on display. The Mayor was able to witness firsthand the scale and quality of the event, with discussions ongoing around the potential for Forbes Council to explore development of another full-sized football facility to support future growth and events.
On the field, one standout storyline came from the Forbes Under 14 Girls team, who claimed their age group title with a 2-0 victory over Hanwood FC in the final. The team’s success was further highlighted by six players being invited to TSP trials last week, while the squad is also set to feature in the upcoming Deploy Association Championships starting next week.
The 2026 edition of Forbes Gala Day once again reinforced its status as one of the premier regional football events in NSW, celebrating participation, pathways and community connection at every level.
