The 2026 NAIDOC Cup got underway on Awabakal land at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Tuesday.
More than 140 players and officials from Northern NSW Football and Football NSW celebrated the opening of the three-day event featuring special guests from the First Nations community.
The competition has returned for a fifth year to showcase proud First Nations male and female participants in the under-14s and under-16s age groups.
NNSWF will look to go back-to-back after winning its first NAIDOC Cup title in 2025. An undefeated campaign from the under-14s and under-16s boys, combined with strong performances from the under-14s and under-16s girls, saw NNSWF secure the overall title on aggregate.
"The NAIDOC Cup is a fantastic opportunity for our proud and talented First Nations footballers to shine, showcase their skills and represent themselves, their families, their culture and their heritage," NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes said.
The opening ceremony featured Ashtyn Ferguson, who delivered the Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a smoking ceremony performed by Uncle Doug and Uncle Norm Archibald.
Layli Schubert performed two songs, while the Archibald family dance group performed three cultural dances.
Jodie Harrison State Member for Charlestown presented the NAIDOC Cup referees with their uniforms ahead of the tournament.
NNSWF Participation Officer – Schools and First Nations Football Micheal Hugo said he was eager for the annual tournament.
"We're making significant progress in the First Nations football space and after taking out the tournament for the first time in 2025, it's exciting to see how we can build on that momentum and continue to grow from year to year," Hugo said.
"Events like NAIDOC Cup provide a great opportunity for our First Nations footballers to come together, represent their communities and celebrate their culture through football.
"It's inspiring to see the positive experiences we're creating throughout the region, and I cannot wait to watch our athletes shine, connect with one another and embrace everything the tournament has to offer."
The first round of matches will take place on Wednesday with games kicking off at 10am.
All eight matches will be streamed live on NNSWF YouTube channel.