Northern NSW Football is delighted to confirm the return of the UNE Regional Super League for its second season in 2026, with the competition expanding its regional footprint through the inclusion of Football Far North Coast clubs for the first time.
The 2026 UNE Regional Super League competition will build on a successful inaugural year, again featuring eight clubs in the men’s and women’s competitions.
But the second season of the tournament will see teams representing all four northern NSW regional member zones. The inclusion of Football Far North Coast representation completes the four-zone model and further cements the UNE Regional Super League’s position as the premier regional elite pathway competition in northern NSW.
Alstonville FC and Byron Bay FC will make their UNE Regional Super League debuts in the men’s and women’s competitions, marking a significant milestone for Football Far North Coast and the competition. Their entry ensures all regions are now represented across both competitions, strengthening the tournament’s regional identity and competitive depth.
NNSWF staff conducted the draw for the 2026 tournament on Thursday.
NNSWF General Manager Football Operations Liam Bentley said with all four regions now represented, the second season of the UNE Regional Super League marked an important step forward in delivering a truly region-wide elite competition.
“We’re delighted that Football Far North Coast clubs are now part of the UNE Regional Super League. We want to continue to raise the standard and profile of football across northern NSW and that was a big step in the right direction,” Bentley said.
“We have taken on feedback after an extremely successful first season and made some tweaks for 2026. The main thing being that the draw has been developed with men’s and women’s teams from the same clubs and regions aligned.
“This approach enables the delivery of double-header matchdays, improves travel efficiency for clubs and officials, supports broadcast coverage and reinforces the UNE Regional Super League’s commitment to showcasing elite football across the entire region.”
The men’s competition will feature reigning 2025 UNE Regional Super League premiers Port Saints FC and 2025 finalists Northern Storm FC alongside Coffs City United FC, Oxley Vale Attunga FC, Inverell FC and Moore Creek FC, with Alstonville FC and Byron Bay FC joining as new entrants.
In the women’s competition, reigning champions Lake Cathie FC and 2025 finalists Macleay Valley Rangers FC return, joined by Urunga FC, Coffs City United FC, Armidale City FC and Tamworth FC, with Alstonville FC and Byron Bay FC also entering the competition for the first time.
The men’s and women’s competitions have again been split into two groups of four teams, with each group featuring one club from each of the four member zones Football Far North Coast, North Coast Football, Football Mid North Coast and Northern Inland - NNSWF, except for men's Pool A. The structure ensures balanced regional representation and competitive equity throughout the round-robin stage.
The 2026 season will commence with round one of the men’s competition on 14 February, aligning with the Hahn Australia Cup period, while the women’s competition will start on 28 February to better align with local competitions.
Rounds two and three will be played across the June long weekend, followed by semi-finals on 18 July, with each semi-final to be hosted by highest-ranked side.
The UNE Regional Super League Final will be hosted at Coffs Coast Synthetics on 8 August.
2026 UNE Regional Super League Men’s
| Pool A | Pool B |
| Alstonville FC | Byron Bay FC |
| Coffs City United FC | Inverell FC |
| Oxley Vale Attunga FC | Northern Storm FC |
| Moore Creek FC | Port Saints FC |
2026 UNE Regional Super League Women’s
| Pool A | Pool B |
| Alstonville FC | Armidale City Westside FC |
| Coffs City United FC | Byron Bay FC |
| Macleay Valley Rangers FC | Lake Cathie FC |
| Tamworth FC | Urunga FC |