Future Stars Shine At 2026 Football NSW JD Cup
The next generation of football talent was on full display as the 2026 Football NSW Junior Development Cup delivered two action-packed days of competition, with 32 teams competing across the Under 12 Mixed and Under 13 Girls age groups at Valentine Sports Park.
Held on 15 and 16 July, the tournament brought together teams from 20 clubs and associations, with 110 matches played across two days as young players showcased their skills in a high-quality development environment.
The JD Cup featured an exciting tournament format, with teams competing through a group stage consisting of six matches before progressing to the knockout stages, including quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.
The competition provided players with valuable experience in a structured tournament environment, while also allowing clubs to test themselves against quality opposition from across NSW.
In the Under 12 Mixed final, Southern Districts SFA produced a strong performance to defeat Macarthur Rams 2-1 and claim the championship.
The Under 13 Girls final delivered a dramatic finish, with SD Raiders FC and Macarthur Rams locked at 0-0 after full-time before SD Raiders prevailed 6-5 on penalties to lift the trophy.
Football NSW Competitions Coordinator Ryan Mettenbrink praised the success of the tournament and the quality of football displayed throughout the two days.
“The 2026 JD Cup was a fantastic showcase of the future of football in NSW. To have 32 teams from 20 different clubs and associations competing across two age groups highlights the strength and growth of our junior pathways.
“The tournament format provided players with the opportunity to experience competitive football in a positive development environment, while also giving clubs the chance to challenge themselves against new opposition.
“Congratulations to all teams involved, and especially to Southern Districts SFA and SD Raiders FC on their respective championship victories. The quality, enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament was fantastic to see.”
The JD Cup continues to play an important role in supporting junior development across NSW, providing young players with opportunities to compete, learn and grow within the Football NSW pathway.
The next Football NSW Junior Development Cup is scheduled to take place in April 2027.
2026 JD Cup Champions
U12 Mixed
Southern Districts SFA Defeated Macarthur Rams 2-1
U13 Girls
SD Raiders FC Defeated Macarthur Rams 6-5 on penalties (0-0 after full-time)
Participating Clubs And Associations
- Bankstown City Lions
- Southern Districts SFA
- Sydney United 58 FC
- Macarthur Rams
- Southern Phoenix
- SD Raiders FC
- Macarthur FA
- Western City Rangers FC
- Blacktown Spartans
- Illawarra Stingrays
- Hills United FC
- Blacktown Districts SFA
- Sutherland Strikers
- Sydney Olympic
- Inter Lions
- Fraser Park
- Granville Rage
- Eastern Suburbs FA
- Nepean FC
- Rockdale Ilinden FC
The success of the 2026 JD Cup highlighted the strength of junior football across NSW and the continued commitment from clubs and associations to developing the next generation of players.
