Thousands of young footballers from across northern NSW will receive a free football thanks to the renewed partnership between Newcastle Permanent and Northern NSW Football.
With grassroots football about to kick off for another season, 11,500 free footballs will be distributed across northern NSW as Newcastle Permanent proudly continues as Northern NSW Football’s major partner of community football.
The 19-year partnership has delivered almost 150,000 free footballs to entry-level players aged four to seven across Northern NSW Football's seven member zones.
Northern NSW Football experienced another season of record-breaking participation numbers across its region in 2025, with an incredible 114,232 total registered participants, topping over 100,000 participants for the first time.
This success was also seen across Newcastle Football, Macquarie Football and Hunter Valley Football, with girls’ participation now making up almost one third of participants aged four to 11.
Football Far North Coast and North Coast Football have recorded a 33 per cent increase in female players year to date, while NNSWF Northern Inland has seen a nine per cent increase in players over the same period.
Momentum is expected to continue, with positive participation numbers already registered across northern NSW for the 2026 season.
Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens looked forward to another fantastic year of grassroots football.
"Since 2008, Newcastle Permanent has proudly supported Northern NSW Football's delivery of community football to thousands of players across the region,” Juergens said.
“As part of our commitment to investing in local communities, we’re not only providing the free footballs but also extending exclusive Newcastle Permanent offers to the wider northern NSW football community throughout the season.
“We are excited to help local families to lead healthy, happy and active lives, and see more achievements on the pitch in 2026."
Northern NSW Football CEO Peter Haynes said Newcastle Permanent were a valued, long-term major partner.
“I am thrilled that Newcastle Permanent will continue as our major partner of community football,” Haynes said.
“This partnership has been ongoing for almost two decades now. In that time Newcastle Permanent’s support has helped us and our member zones successfully deliver community football across our region, ensured football remains accessible and that young players start the season with a ball at their feet.
“We look forward to another exciting year of football across northern NSW that is safe, fun and affordable for all participants. We wish every player, coach, match official and volunteer all the very best for the 2026 season ahead.”