Football is back and better than ever in 2026. Whether you’re an experienced player like Southern United’s Mya Weiley or just starting out, there is a club and team for everyone.
Weiley began playing football at an early age inspired by her family but has continued to develop her love of football through the Matildas.
“I started playing football at the age of nine. I was inspired by my siblings and my brother. Now it’s looking up to the Matildas and wanting to be one of them one day,” Weiley said.
“I was lucky enough to be a flag bearer down at the [FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023] England v Columbia game and it was very inspiring and made me want to push further.”
The 17-year-old has played for Old Bar Barbarians for the last eight years but has made the jump to Southern United in 2026 to play in the new Zone Football League Women’s competition.
“I have played for Old Bar Barbarians every year until this year. I joined Southern United for a change of pace and a better opportunity to push myself to my limits,” Weiley said.
“I’m looking forward to joining this new competition. It’s a good way to push myself further, learn more and make new friends.
“It’s a very good opportunity to get girls into [the] Zone [Football] League and if the opportunity arises, I’d love to play in the NPL [Women’s NNSW].”
Weiley first pulled on the gloves at 12-years-old during a school competition, a moment that set her on the path to becoming a goalkeeper.
“I became a goalkeeper when I was 12. In the school competition, no one else wanted to be goalkeeper and I was like ‘yeah, let's go, let's do it’,” Weiley said.
“From then on, I never wanted to leave.”
With registrations for the 2026 season now open, Weiley encouraged everyone to sign up to play.
“Definitely [play football]. It’s the best time you'll have in your life,” Weiley said.
“A quick commitment to your week, two to three days a week and it's just like the best time.
“You get so much joy out of it and you get lifelong friends.”
There has never been a better time to play football. Register for the 2026 season HERE.