Football Australia strongly refutes inaccurate reports claiming that football fees have increased by 20 percent, clarifying that the modest adjustment represents an increase of $3 for juniors and $7 for seniors in 2026 of the National Registration Fee (NRF).
Like other sports across the country, Football Australia collects a small National Registration Fee (NRF) as part of player registrations and between 2020 to 2023 there were no increases to the fees with only a $0.50 and $1 increase in 2024 and 2025 for junior and senior football respectively.
This fee represents only a small percentage of total registration costs and is not a profit-making levy. This modest adjustment does not necessarily result in final fees increasing.
These fees are not profit and are reinvested into the following services:
• Development, maintenance and enforcement of Football Australia's Member Protection Framework (MPF) comprising a comprehensive system of policies designed to safeguard the safety, dignity, child protection and inclusion of all participants in the sport.
• Football Australia's National Club Development Program.
• Delivery costs of National championships, including Emerging Matildas, Emerging Socceroos and Futsal.
• Entry level Coaching and Referee accreditation and development.
• Junior National teams and Futsal for males and females.
• Development, maintenance and provision of the National Online Registration System (Play Football) and Competition Management System (Game Day) that support players, coaches, referees, and clubs nationwide.
Football Australia notes that the NRF had remained unchanged between 2020 and 2023, despite rising costs and growing demands for player safety, development, and technology services.
Football Australia does not control the fees charged by private football academies, which is often a topic of misunderstanding.
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Interim CEO, Heather Garriock:
"It is simply incorrect to suggest participation fees have risen by 20 per cent.
"Our National Registration Fee adjustment equates to a few dollars per player. This modest adjustment ensures we can continue to fund the vital programs and safeguards that underpin our game from the grassroots up.
"We're proud that football remains one of the most accessible and inclusive sports in the country.
"Our focus is on strengthening the systems and support that allow every participant - from MiniRoos to professionals - to enjoy the game in a safe, inclusive and well-governed environment.
"Let's be very clear - there's a big difference between paying $300 to play at your local club and paying $5,000 a year for a private academy. One is community sport. The other is a private business product."
How does Football Australia's NRF compare to other Australian sports?
Football Australia's NRF remains comparable to other Australian sports, typically accounting for just 5-12% of total registration costs - compared with 8-20% in AFL, 9-15% in netball, and 6-12% in NRL and cricket.
Cost of Football
Football Australia has established a "Cost of Football" review to ensuring consistency, transparency and more information for parents and participants. This includes future NRF modelling.
