Football NSW reflects on another remarkable year for the game in 2026

Football across New South Wales continued to go from strength to strength in 2026, with record participation, stronger community connections and a host of initiatives helping to create new opportunities for players, coaches, referees, volunteers and clubs throughout the state.

More than 240,000 community players took part in Football NSW competitions for the third consecutive year, reinforcing football’s position as the largest organised participation sport in NSW and highlighting the continued growth and popularity of the world game.

Female participation remained a key area of progress, with women and girls now representing 27 per cent of the total player base. There was also record involvement from females across non-playing roles, including administration, volunteering and officiating, while regional football communities continued to demonstrate the strength and reach of the game beyond metropolitan areas.

Throughout the year, Football NSW continued to invest in programs designed to make football more accessible, inclusive and sustainable, while supporting the clubs and volunteers who remain the backbone of the sport.

Through its partnership with Football Australia and the support of Coles, MiniRoos gala days, celebrations and activations were delivered across NSW, providing more opportunities for young players to discover and enjoy football.

The Multicultural MiniRoos and Multicultural Youth programs, supported by Football Australia and the Commonwealth Government, also connected hundreds of newly arrived migrants with local football clubs and communities, demonstrating the ability of the game to bring people together and create a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Another significant highlight was the Football4All gala day at Valentine Sports Park, welcoming more than 300 participants for a celebration of football for players of all abilities. Participation continued to grow, with almost 50 per cent more teams involved than in 2025.

Building stronger and more sustainable clubs also remained a priority, with the Club Changer program continuing to support community clubs in their development. During 2026, 17 clubs achieved 2-Star status and six clubs reached 3-Star status, taking the number of clubs holding at least a 1-Star rating to almost 300 across the state.

The Club Development Conference also enjoyed a record attendance, welcoming 220 participants for a day of workshops, discussions and presentations from leading organisations across sport, governance and football.

Football NSW further strengthened its community network by welcoming six new clubs from south of the Murray into its football family, following the Albury Wodonga Football Association’s decision to remain within the Football NSW structure.

The people who make football possible also remained firmly in focus throughout the season, with continued investment in referee development, coach education and leadership opportunities.

The Referee Development Panel introduced a new approach centred on localised training and education, strengthening connections between local Referee Branches and Football NSW. Referee Development Officers and department staff also delivered more than 45 education and training sessions throughout the year, helping to build capability and support officials across the game.

Female Football Week reached new heights in 2026, delivering its largest celebration to date, while the Women in Leadership program continued to empower women across the sport, growing to more than 130 alumni and providing participants with the confidence, skills and networks to progress in leadership roles.

Coaches and players across the state also benefited from a range of development opportunities, including Regional Association JDL programs, Regional Coach Education initiatives, MiniRoos Certificates, Foundation of Football courses and ongoing professional development.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 provided another major opportunity to showcase football, with community clubs across NSW involved through flag bearer and mascot opportunities. More than 300 volunteers also contributed to the successful delivery of the tournament, highlighting the significant role the football community plays in major events.

On the field, the 2026 State Cup and Champion of Champions competitions once again brought together teams from across NSW, celebrating the depth and diversity of community football.

The 56th edition of the Champion of Champions tournament culminated in an action-packed affair at Valentine Sports Park, with 18 finals played across the day. The Sutherland Shire Football Association and Central Coast Football led the way with four titles apiece, while Manly Warringah FA and Northern Suburbs FA also enjoyed strong campaigns, claiming three championships each.

At club level, Lindfield FC and Kirrawee Kangaroos FC each secured two titles, capping off a memorable day that showcased the quality and competitive spirit of community football.

The inaugural Football NSW Deploy Association Championships also proved a major success, with the Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex in Mudgee hosting the event and four teams crowned champions across the 13 Boys, 14 Boys, 14 Girls and 15 Girls competitions.

Central Coast Football claimed two titles and was named the inaugural Association Champion of the Tournament, while Manly Warringah FA and Northern Suburbs FA also celebrated championship success. The event provided another exciting platform for emerging talent and highlighted the strength of association football across the state.

The Football NSW Coaching Conference remained one of the standout events on the football calendar, with the 2026 edition set to take place across two days in November at Valentine Sports Park. The sold-out conference is expected to welcome more than 1,000 coaches from across Australia, further highlighting the growing appetite for coach education and professional development within the game.

The season also concluded with the announcement of the 2027 Community Registration Fees, with Football NSW confirming a freeze on registration fees for community junior and youth players, helping to support families and maintain accessibility as the game continues to grow.

None of these achievements would be possible without the collective efforts of the clubs, Member Associations, volunteers, administrators, coaches, referees, players, partners and Football NSW staff who contribute so much to the game every week.

With participation continuing to grow, new initiatives creating greater opportunities and community football remaining at the heart of everything it does, Football NSW looks forward to building on the momentum of 2026 and continuing to strengthen the game across New South Wales in the year ahead.