NPL 2026

[Zelen Fc]

Spoke to him yesterday, and because no one knew about his departure, i'm sure the offers will flood in now.

not many years left in him, he'll go for the highest bidder i take it.

Couple of years ago would’ve been a decent replacement for uro

 

[Monoethnic Social Club]

Copilot/ChatGPT are shithouse for this - so I made this very arbitrary version - it's just by 'Branch'/overall region though - no associations within

There are a few areas that cross into other borders technically, such as Hay and Deniliquin are actually with Football Victoria now (but traditionally been included with Riverina), and some of the most southern parts of Western NSW, and the north-eastern parts of Riverina, and north-western parts of Southern NSW crossing borders here and there.

I've used Lake Macquarie as the border point for Northern NSW and Metro NSW, with a straight borders roughy splitting up the North NSW federation, and Western NSW branch (and West/South NSW and Metro NSW as well
View attachment 3443

Giving off some real Stanley Kubrick vibes there mate

 

[HappyGuus]

Copilot/ChatGPT are shithouse for this - so I made this very arbitrary version - it's just by 'Branch'/overall region though - no associations within

There are a few areas that cross into other borders technically, such as Hay and Deniliquin are actually with Football Victoria now (but traditionally been included with Riverina), and some of the most southern parts of Western NSW, and the north-eastern parts of Riverina, and north-western parts of Southern NSW crossing borders here and there.

I've used Lake Macquarie as the border point for Northern NSW and Metro NSW, with a straight borders roughy splitting up the North NSW federation, and Western NSW branch (and West/South NSW and Metro NSW as well
View attachment 3443

Yeah Broken Hill is still under Football SA I believe.

What's the story with Wollongong? Are they southern NSW, south coast, or Illawarra?

 

[NicCarBel]

Yeah Broken Hill is still under Football SA I believe.

Yeah, they fall under Football SA - the rest of that section, I could not find a single football club within the NSW borders, so that's why a big question mark there

What's the story with Wollongong? Are they southern NSW, south coast, or Illawarra?

I've lumped them in with Metro NSW in that map.
Metro NSW is made up of all the NPL clubs, and the following associations (all Sydney based except where noted)

1. Bankstown
2. Blacktown
3. Canterbury
4. Central Coast (Gosford)
5. Eastern Suburbs
6. South Coast (Wollongong)
7. St George
8. Granville
9. Hills
10. Macarthur
11. Manly Warringah
12. Nepean
13. North West Sydney
14. Northern Suburbs
15. Southern Districts
16. Sutherland Shire

 

[djpetrin15]

The Football NSW 'regions' seem to be relatively arbitrary at this point, which is probably why ChatGPT wasn't helpful - I could only find them mentioned on the Association Youth League Page, and even then I'm almost certain Western Plains (Bourke, Cobar etc) doesn't exist anymore. Personally, I'd consider splitting the South in two - Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands and Shoalhaven in one region, Eurobodalla and Far South Coast in the other.

What's the story with Wollongong? Are they southern NSW, south coast, or Illawarra?

I also think from a competitive standpoint South Coast (Wollongong) fits better in the Metro area. I have no idea why Wollongong's FA is called South Coast though - even their first division is called the Illawarra Premier League.

 

[NicCarBel]

The Football NSW 'regions' seem to be relatively arbitrary at this point, which is probably why ChatGPT wasn't helpful - I could only find them mentioned on the Association Youth League Page, and even then I'm almost certain Western Plains (Bourke, Cobar etc) doesn't exist anymore. Personally, I'd consider splitting the South in two for travel purposes - Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven in one region, Eurobodalla and Far South Coast in the other.

I also think from a competitive standpoint South Coast (Wollongong) fits better in the Metro area. I have no idea why Wollongong's FA is called South Coast though - even their first division is call the Illawarra Premier League.

Nah, I didn't say "build me a map of these associations", I basically defined the locations within that would sit within each and asked me to build a map based on that - and instead of doing a map overlay, it just kept recycling the list I made back in text.

Yes, I believe the 'regions' (branches) don't fully exist anymore - however, they are still listed on the Associations page for Football NSW. I believe for the South Coast FA, that it's the only metro association to have representative clubs from regional associations compete in their structure (Shoalhaven and Highlands), and does include Kiama, and a few other other small towns south of Wollongong (Jamberoo, Kiama and Gerringong).

Western Plains as far as I'm aware only really exists at a junior level. I can't find much on these clubs (Cobar, Bourke, Nyngan, etc) other than junior gala days they all host and travel around to - so there is something there at least.

But, that area west of Cobar/Bourke on the map - I can't really find anything at all, which is why I set the borders the way they are. The southern part of it (below Broken Hill, and the bits on the south of the Riverina section, and north of actual Victoria) all sort of sit in Football Victoria, but those clubs (with the exception of Albury-Wodonga, Hay and Deniliquin) all sit on the Victorian side of the border.

 

[NicCarBel]

The Football NSW 'regions' seem to be relatively arbitrary at this point, which is probably why ChatGPT wasn't helpful - I could only find them mentioned on the Association Youth League Page, and even then I'm almost certain Western Plains (Bourke, Cobar etc) doesn't exist anymore. Personally, I'd consider splitting the South in two - Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands and Shoalhaven in one region, Eurobodalla and Far South Coast in the other.

I also think from a competitive standpoint South Coast (Wollongong) fits better in the Metro area. I have no idea why Wollongong's FA is called South Coast though - even their first division is called the Illawarra Premier League.

There must be some sort of map to make for NSW - this recent article officially announcing the formalisation of the Hills Football Association references borders

Football NSW Welcomes Hills Association Zone Following By-Law Amendment - Football NSW

Football NSW advises that the Hills Association Zone is now admitted as a formal member of the Football NSW family, following amendment to the

footballnsw.com.au

 

[djpetrin15]

There must be some sort of map to make for NSW - this recent article officially announcing the formalisation of the Hills Football Association references borders

Football NSW Welcomes Hills Association Zone Following By-Law Amendment - Football NSW

Football NSW advises that the Hills Association Zone is now admitted as a formal member of the Football NSW family, following amendment to the

footballnsw.com.au

https://footballfacilities.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/10/NSW-Football-Infrastructure-Strategy-2020-web.pdf

Page 33 covers metro NSW, Page 34 has a broader map for Regional NSW but obviously isn't perfect - I think those regions, especially in Western NSW, will always be somewhat flexible, especially with associations like South West Slopes and Lithgow that don't have any formal senior competitions.

 

[NicCarBel]

https://footballfacilities.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/10/NSW-Football-Infrastructure-Strategy-2020-web.pdf

Page 33 covers metro NSW, Page 34 has a broader map for Regional NSW but obviously isn't perfect - I think those regions, especially in Western NSW, will always be somewhat flexible, especially with associations like South West Slopes and Lithgow that don't have any formal senior competitions.

oh buck yeah - those maps are perfect - @HappyGuus

Yeah those specific regions, as far as I'm aware, don't run formal senior competitions (with Young Lions for example having just won the Wagga Wagga comp last weekend) and that Lithgow I believe runs alongside the Bathurst setup)

 

[Kitwally]

oh buck yeah - those maps are perfect - @HappyGuus

Yeah those specific regions, as far as I'm aware, don't run formal senior competitions (with Young Lions for example having just won the Wagga Wagga comp last weekend) and that Lithgow I believe runs alongside the Bathurst setup)
View attachment 3452
View attachment 3453
View attachment 3454

Interesting! Great work Nic!
My next question would be playing numbers/registered players in each district?
For example, it’s said the Sutherland Shire has the most registered players in NSW, unsure if that’s factually accurate or apocryphal?

 

[NicCarBel]

Interesting! Great work Nic!
My next question would be playing numbers/registered players in each district?
For example, it’s said the Sutherland Shire has the most registered players in NSW, unsure if that’s factually accurate or apocryphal?

I'm sure that kind of thing exists somewhere - If able to track down, I may just open another thread to keep track of for it

 

[NicCarBel]

Interesting! Great work Nic!
My next question would be playing numbers/registered players in each district?
For example, it’s said the Sutherland Shire has the most registered players in NSW, unsure if that’s factually accurate or apocryphal?

Actually, I will just do it here - as it's all listed in the Football NSW annual report. Great breakdown from page 70 by each district of registered players by:

• Association (not sure if this includes NPL, but there is a specific "State League" section, so I assume this is for NPL, State Leagues 1 and 2, as well as Youth League
• Age comparison (year by year up to 21, and then 'seniors' (also a separate Junior/Senior list that is split at 19+ for senior)
• Gender (by each association as well)
• Futsal
• And also number of clubs per association (which is good for my Pyramid database for me to crosscheck)

As of 2024 - Manly had the highest (20,168), followed by Sutherland (19,834), and Canterbury (19,538).
The top 3 raw numbers for regional associations are: Shoalhaven (3,385), Wagga (3,131), and Orange (2,714)

 

[Zelen Fc]

How much does St George have

 

[NicCarBel]

How much does St George have

11,698

Post in thread 'NPL 2026'

Sep 23, 2025

NEW SOUTH WALES
NPL

1. NWS Spirit
2. APIA Leichardt
3. Marconi Stallions
4. Rockdale Ilinden
5. Blacktown City
6. Sydney United 58
7. Sydney Olympic
8. Wollongong Wolves
9. St George City
10. Sydney FC (U23)
11. Manly United
12. St George FC
13. Sutherland Sharks
14. Western Sydney Wanderers (U23)
15. University of NSW
16. Southern Districts Raiders

NSW League One

1. Central Coast Mariners (U23)
2. Mt Druitt Town Rangers
3. Blacktown Spartans
4. Rydalmere Lions
5. Newcastle Jets (U23)
6. Northern Tigers
7. Inter Lions
8. Bulls FC Academy (U23)
9. Hills United
10. Bankstown...

• NicCarBel

• 

Just confirming that this is now final (minus the 16th ????) for NSW after today's Declaration of Leagues announcement - which that rules Yoogali out

 

[NicCarBel]

2026 VETO SPORTS Men's State League New Club Application Process

footballvictoria.com.au

FFV Applications for vacancies in State League Mens now open - that also rules Yoogali out

For avoidance of doubt, if your Club is currently working through a New Club Application Process for 2026, you will not be eligible to apply for a 2026 Men’s State League position. Your Club must have competed in FV Competitions in 2025 to be eligible.

 

[LFC]

Actually, I will just do it here - as it's all listed in the Football NSW annual report. Great breakdown from page 70 by each district of registered players by:

• Association (not sure if this includes NPL, but there is a specific "State League" section, so I assume this is for NPL, State Leagues 1 and 2, as well as Youth League
• Age comparison (year by year up to 21, and then 'seniors' (also a separate Junior/Senior list that is split at 19+ for senior)
• Gender (by each association as well)
• Futsal
• And also number of clubs per association (which is good for my Pyramid database for me to crosscheck)

As of 2024 - Manly had the highest (20,168), followed by Sutherland (19,834), and Canterbury (19,538).
The top 3 raw numbers for regional associations are: Shoalhaven (3,385), Wagga (3,131), and Orange (2,714)

Great rise by Manly district for yes Sutho area has normally been the largest catchment.

Puzzling re the regions NCB.
The Wagga Wagga City Council has forecast the population to be approximately 70,233 for 2025
And only 3131 registered.
Maybe I expected more but prob afl has better numbers.

 

[NicCarBel]

Great rise by Manly district for yes Sutho area has normally been the largest catchment.

Puzzling re the regions NCB.
The Wagga Wagga City Council has forecast the population to be approximately 70,233 for 2025
And only 3131 registered.
Maybe I expected more but prob afl has better numbers.

The other thing to note with Wagga, is realistically - their association (depending on the grade - but mostly for U18s and up) features clubs from the Griffith and South West Slopes associations (I'm assuming those senior players are counted as Wagga - unless the way they have attributed it is by the association the club is primarily registered to, provided they are registered to Football NSW).

Although, you are probably right regarding AFL - Wagga is in a bit of a weird place that they are quite strong participation wise in Aussie Rules and Rugby League.

Just for comparison:
3131/68951 for Wagga (based off 2024 numbers) = 4.5%
19834/238614 for Sutherland = 8.3%

But, it is probably noteworthy that Wagga also runs in Capital Football - these players are probably not counted in this (assuming a 16 player squad at all grades, with no repeats, that's another circa 100 players (which would only bring their percentage up to 4.7%)

 

[LFC]

Yes true it’s in that very mixed code border catchment that would muddy the waters a bit.
Hence why I think just over 3K is low and as mentioned where do all the varied age regos fit by competition.
League and afl is strong there as mentioned.
I even recall ol Sterling was a Wagga Jnr from memory.

 

[superpolska]

In terms of regional clubs applying, I feel like it's also a logistics/cost issue - it isn't just the west either. CCM Academy and Central Coast United are the only clubs representing the Central Coast, while Wollongong Wolves (established NSL team) and South Coast Flame (rep team) are the only Illawarra clubs.
The other issue with relegation to districts is that after League Two, there's 15 separate competitions. Ideally at least one new intermediate league should be created first, equivalent to the Victorian State League, rather than going off of a knockout competition like Champion of Champions.
But I do agree that it's an idea worth exploring. From what I can see, a set of 3 competitions (North, South, and West) would probably work best. Attached is a very rough drawing of the FA boundaries, and which ones would fit best where in my opinion.

One small update - If Western NSW was added to the West League, I would move Bankstown to the South League to compensate.

Seems very lopsided

 

[Kitwally]

Actually, I will just do it here - as it's all listed in the Football NSW annual report. Great breakdown from page 70 by each district of registered players by:

• Association (not sure if this includes NPL, but there is a specific "State League" section, so I assume this is for NPL, State Leagues 1 and 2, as well as Youth League
• Age comparison (year by year up to 21, and then 'seniors' (also a separate Junior/Senior list that is split at 19+ for senior)
• Gender (by each association as well)
• Futsal
• And also number of clubs per association (which is good for my Pyramid database for me to crosscheck)

As of 2024 - Manly had the highest (20,168), followed by Sutherland (19,834), and Canterbury (19,538).
The top 3 raw numbers for regional associations are: Shoalhaven (3,385), Wagga (3,131), and Orange (2,714)

Thanks Nic. And NSW being the most populous state, does that mean Manly and Sutherland have the most registered players in all of Australia?