Football Tasmania reveal dates for return of competitions

Avatar

Football Tasmania have confirmed that all senior football competitions in the state will restart by July.

Round of 16 fixtures for the Women’s Statewide Cup, Under 20 Cup and Lakoseljac Cup will be played on the weekend beginning July 11.

The National Premier Leagues (NPL) Tasmania and Women’s Super League (WSL) will then start the following week on July 18, alongside the Northern and Southern Championships.

Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley stated the return of all competitions were locked in, with around $300,000 worth of financial relief spread across all clubs and associations in Tasmania.

“Rebooting football has taken a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment from the entire Tasmanian football family and to be able to welcome around 12,000 players – from juniors to seniors – back onto the pitch next month will be a great reward for everyone,” Bulkeley said.

The NPL Tasmania will have a shortened 14-week season, with the Women’s Super League running for 15 weeks.

The senior competitions are planned to finish near the end of October.

Bulkeley claimed his organisation was prepared to assist clubs financially, but reassured the football community that senior competitions could now be financially viable.

As per the easing of the Tasmanian Government restrictions, up to 500 spectators are allowed to attend a match.

“Football Tasmania advocated strongly for an early return to football training, spectators at games as well as funding support from the State Government. These outcomes have put our organisation in a much stronger position to be able to provide financial assistance to our clubs and associations,” he explained.

“By reducing our NPL licence fees, team nomination, referee and player registration fees, we are helping offset some of the challenges and ensure as many footballers as possible are able to get onto the pitch this year to enjoy the health and social benefits of the World Game in Tasmania.

“We recognise that while clubs and associations have been doing their utmost to forecast the full impact of COVID-19, the situation is changeable and we may still face a tough time. With this in mind, Football Tasmania stands ready to provide extra support to clubs should they find themselves in financial difficulty this year and beyond.”

Previous ArticleNext Article

Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

Avatar
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

Avatar
Image credit: Football Australia

This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend