Northern NSW Football Partnership Renewed to Deliver 11,500 Free Balls

Thousands of young players across northern NSW will receive a free ball this season after Newcastle Permanent renewed its partnership with Northern NSW Football.

A total of 11,500 footballs will be distributed to entry-level players aged four to seven ahead of the 2026 grassroots football season.

The partnership has now run for 19 years, delivering almost 150,000 footballs to junior players across Northern NSW Football’s seven member zones.

Participation continues to grow across the region, with 114,232 registered players recorded in 2025, the first time numbers have exceeded 100,000 participants.

Football Far North Coast and North Coast Football competitions have reported a 33 per cent increase in female players, while Northern Inland participation has increased by nine per cent.

Northern NSW Football CEO Peter Haynes said the partnership helps keep football accessible for families and supports participation across regional communities.

Momentum is expected to continue into the 2026 season as grassroots football expands across northern NSW.

From the Northern Rivers Times News Desk ⚽