NAIDOC Cup Continues To Strengthen First Nations Football Pathways
The 2026 NAIDOC Cup has come to a successful conclusion following three memorable days of football, culture and community at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
The annual tournament once again brought together Football NSW and Northern NSW Football, providing a platform to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and communities while showcasing some of the state’s most talented First Nations footballers.
Following two exciting days of action, the final day delivered more goals, drama and memorable moments as champions were crowned across all four age groups.
Northern NSW Football secured back-to-back NAIDOC Cup titles for the first time, finishing the tournament with a six wins to two advantage over Football NSW across the four age categories.
The hosts continued their strong tournament performance with impressive displays across the Under 14 and Under 16 competitions.
Round 2 Results
Under 14 Boys
Football NSW 0 – Northern NSW Football 2
Under 14 Girls
Football NSW 2 – Northern NSW Football 0
Under 16 Boys
Football NSW 0 – Northern NSW Football 9
Under 16 Girls
Football NSW 0 – Northern NSW Football 0
The results saw Northern NSW Football claim the group honours across all four age groups, capping off another successful NAIDOC Cup campaign.
The 2026 NAIDOC Cup Player of the Tournament Award winners were:
- Under 14 Girls: Isabella Langridge
- Under 14 Boys: Ned Giles
- Under 16 Girls: Tamika Ridgeway
- Under 16 Boys: Levi Van Haren
Football NSW Diversity, Inclusion and Club Development Coordinator Ellie Kerr said the NAIDOC Cup continues to play an important role in celebrating culture while creating meaningful opportunities through football.
“The NAIDOC Cup is a valued opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Kerr said.
“It brings communities together through football and creates a space to strengthen connections, show respect and recognise the importance of culture both on and off the field.
“We are proud of the opportunity this tournament provides for First Nations players, coaches and referees to be involved in a representative environment and continue their football journeys.”
The NAIDOC Cup continues to provide an important pathway for First Nations players across NSW, while also creating opportunities for First Nations coaches and referees to develop within the game.
Since its inception in 2022 on Awabakal land at Northern NSW Football’s Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, the tournament has continued to grow and strengthen the relationship between Football NSW and Northern NSW Football.
Under 14 Girls: Northern NSW Football
Under 14 Boys: Northern NSW Football
Under 16 Girls: Northern NSW Football
Under 16 Boys: Northern NSW Football
Football NSW congratulates all players, coaches, referees, volunteers and staff involved in making the 2026 NAIDOC Cup another outstanding celebration of football, culture and community.
The NAIDOC Cup once again demonstrated the power of football to bring people together, celebrate identity and create opportunities for the next generation of First Nations footballers.
