Northern NSW Football is thrilled to announce that the Charity Shield will return in 2026.
The HMRI Charity Shield will kick off the 2026 NNSW premier competition season at Jack McLaughlan Oval on Friday 13 February, with all gate proceeds going to Hunter Medical Research Institute.
The double header will see NPL Women’s NNSW premiers and champions Charlestown Azzurri take on Women’s State Cup joint winners Maitland FC.
Reigning NPL Men’s NNSW premiers and champions Broadmeadow Magic will then go head-to-head with Men’s State Cup winners Cooks Hill United.
HMRI is Australia’s biggest regional medical research institute and its researchers’ ground-breaking work has changed the lives of countless people for almost 30 years. They will remain as the official naming rights partner to the Charity Shield as a part of their three-year partnership.
NNSWF Premier Competitions Coordinator Thom Kane said that he looked forward to another exciting HMRI Charity Shield event.
“The HMRI Charity Shield is a fantastic way to mark the start of the season while using football to unite the community and support a great cause,” Kane said.
“I’m proud to continue our partnership with HMRI, who play such an important role in supporting our local region.
“I encourage our football family to come out to watch four of our best NPL NNSW teams kick off the 2026 season with the knowledge that all gate proceeds will go back to the HMRI team to help them continue to deliver groundbreaking medical research for our communities.”
HMRI CEO and Institute Director Professor Frances Kay said she was delighted to partner again with NNSWF in 2026.
“We’re proud to once again partner with Northern NSW Football for the HMRI Charity Shield,” Professor Kay said.
“It’s wonderful to see the football community rally behind medical research and support the dedicated researchers who work tirelessly to transform the health and wellbeing of our communities.”
2026 HMRI Charity Shield Day Information
WHEN: Friday 13 February
WHERE: Jack McLaughlan Oval, Edgeworth
KICK-OFF TIMES: NPL Women’s NNSW 6pm, NPL Men’s NNSW 8.15pm (Champions will be decided by penalty kicks in the event of a draw.)
GATES OPEN: 5pm
PARKING: Supporters are advised to arrive early and leave plenty of time to enter the venue due to limited parking and with a large crowd expected.
TICKETS: $5 adults and concession, FREE 16-years and under. Tickets will be available at the gate only with contactless payment preferred. Limited change will be available, with correct cash appreciated. All proceeds from gate entry will go to HMRI.
Additional Information: Animals and pets (other than assistance dogs) are not permitted to enter the venue.