Connection, Family And Community At Heart Of 2026 NAIDOC Cup Jersey

Connection, family and community will take centre stage at this year’s NAIDOC Cup, with the winning jersey design set to be worn by Football NSW players at the 2026 tournament in Lake Macquarie.

Created by a talented Gamilaraay artist Kayley King, the winning artwork was selected to represent the values at the heart of the NAIDOC Cup and the important role football plays in bringing people and communities together.

For Kayley, the design carries a deeply personal meaning.

“To me, this design represents connection, family and community,” King said.

“The circles represent the people in my life, while the lines show the different journeys and connections that bring us together.

“It reminds me of where I come from, the people around me and what makes me who I am.”

The significance of the design extends beyond the artwork itself, with Kayley expressing her pride at seeing her work become part of a football jersey that will be worn on the representative stage.

“I feel really proud and excited that my design won the competition.

“It means a lot knowing that my artwork will be part of a football jersey and represents connection, family and community.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the design come to life and eventually seeing it worn on the field.”

The jersey will form part of the Football NSW representation at the 2026 NAIDOC Cup, which will be held at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility from Tuesday, 29 September to Thursday, 1 October.

The annual tournament brings together Football NSW and Northern NSW Football across three days of football while celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and communities.

Football NSW and Northern NSW Football will field male and female teams across the Under 14 and Under 16 age groups, with squads featuring talented First Nations players from across NSW.

The tournament also provides opportunities for First Nations coaches and referees, creating representative pathways both on and off the pitch.

After Northern NSW Football claimed the NAIDOC Cup in 2025, Football NSW will travel to Lake Macquarie determined to reclaim the trophy in 2026.

Football NSW Diversity, Inclusion and Club Development Coordinator Ellie Kerr said the NAIDOC Cup remains an important opportunity to celebrate First Nations culture and strengthen connections 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 sport and creates a space to strengthen connections, show respect and recognise the importance of culture both on and off the field.

“We are excited to travel to Lake Macquarie for this year’s NAIDOC Cup and take part in such a meaningful event. We are looking forward to the challenge and are eager to bring the trophy back this year.”

The winning jersey design adds another important layer to an event that continues to grow in significance, using football as a vehicle to celebrate identity, culture, community and connection.

For the artist, seeing those ideas represented on the pitch will be a particularly special moment.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the design come to life and eventually seeing it worn on the field.”

Now, the countdown begins to the 2026 NAIDOC Cup, with the winning artwork set to become part of the story of another important chapter in the tournament’s history.

Culture. Connection. Community. Football.

The NAIDOC Cup will bring them all together in Lake Macquarie this September.