Football Australia celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, shining a spotlight on the important role community football plays in creating safe, inclusive and enjoyable environments for people of all ages and abilities.
Focusing on the theme 'Football for all, for Life' the event reflected the shared commitment by Football Australia and the Asian Football Confederation to growing the game from the grassroots up. Aligned with FIFA World Football Week and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the AFC Grassroots Football Day event reinforced Football's role as a powerful tool for inclusion, protection and sustainable community development.
Delivered in collaboration with Football NSW and Canterbury Football Association, local community club, Balmain & District Football Club, hosted the event that saw more than 400 participants from 4 to 74-years-old come together.
Players took part in a range of small-sided football activities designed to be fun, safe and inclusive. The sessions catered to all members of the community, offering opportunities for everyone to get involved, from girls-only junior programs to all-abilities sessions and over‑age football.
One of the major highlights was the Girls Junior Gala Day, welcoming 150 girls aged 4 to 8-years and celebrated the continued rise of girls' participation in football. Since the FIFA Women's World Cup, girls-only opportunities have expanded significantly, with female participation increasing by 32 percent.
'Football at the grassroots level has seen girls and women's football continue to grow in recent years. More enjoyment, more participants, and an increased sense of community all brought together through grassroots football.'
- Trent Thomas (CEO, Football Canterbury Association)
The gala additionally created valuable leadership pathways for young referees and coaches. With football largely run by volunteers, the event encouraged involvement from young volunteers and officials, helping drive the importance of fostering a life-long passion not only for playing but for supporting the development of the game, through giving opportunity to inspire the next generation of volunteers and leaders in the game.
Football Australia's Club Changer program was also a key feature of the celebration. Club Changer recognises clubs that are building safer, more welcoming and more inclusive football environments, and as part of the event, Balmain & District Football Club was presented with the prestigious 3 Star Club Changer award. This was in recognition of the club's strong commitment to child safeguarding, accessibility and club development. Football NSW's Program Manager for Club Development, Trevor Huxley, commended the club for continuing to strengthen its positive culture and inclusive approach.
With strong local attendance and broad community involvement, AFC Grassroots Day 2026 provided a meaningful platform to celebrate grassroots football and the positive impact it continues to have on clubs, families and neighbourhoods across Australia.
With collaboration across the football ecosystem at the heart of the event, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including 'Good Health and Wellbeing', 'Gender Equality' and 'Reducing Inequalities', Football Australia reaffirmed its commitment to the development of grassroots football.
"It's fantastic to see the variety of football sessions taking place here today", said Grace Lambourne, Football 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. Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game."
