Football registrations surge as clubs prepare for preseason competitions

REGISTRATIONS are expected to surge to near 8,000 participants as Football Far North Coast prepares for its annual preseason competitions.

Tursa Employment & Training continues its long association as the major strategic partner of the 2026 preseason competitions with the Anzac Cup now in its 75th year.

Next season, competitions will be contested in the men’s premier league, open A, open B, open C and junior 16’s.

There will also be the Callan McMillan Memorial Shield women’s competition, played in two divisions.

Football Far North continues to grow having had more than 7,000 participants across its 25 registered clubs for most of the past decade.

Female football continues to grow with more than 2,500 women playing each season.

“Football has a huge footprint across the region and Tursa is delighted to support an organisation that has a positive impact on many thousands of local residents,” marketing and community manager, Martin Claus, said.

“Season 2026 is anticipated to see registrations again surge to near 8,000 players and several thousand other registered participants.”

Registrations for next season will open early February, with more than 50 teams anticipated to be nominated for the preseason competitions.

Football Far North Coast recently held an accreditation course at Ballina to recruit more referees for next season.

Referee shortages and a rain-affected 2025 made it one of the more difficult seasons with several washed-out rounds.

“Our community has demonstrated admirable resilience over several years, despite the impact of many obstacles,” Football Far North Coast general manager, Steve Mackney, said.

“Football stands committed to supporting club volunteers and every stakeholder, who contributes to keeping the game vibrant at the grassroots.”