THE PULSE – April 17, 2026

VAFA Gears Up for an Exciting 2026 Season

With just one day to go before Round 1, anticipation is building across the VAFA community. Clubs are putting the finishing touches on preparations, and the energy of a new season is palpable. From volunteers and coaches to administrators and players, the collective effort behind the scenes has been immense. Facilities have been readied, team lists finalised, and clubrooms brought to life once again highlighting the dedication that continues to drive VAFA community football forward.

A Competition That Continues to Grow

The VAFA remains the largest community football competition in Victoria, and in 2026 it will feature 65 clubs fielding a combined 294 teams. This scale reinforces the competition’s strength and its central role in grassroots football. Women’s football continues to be a major success story. Since its inaugural season in 2017, participation has grown from 1,870 players to an estimated 3,000 in 2026, making it the largest women’s football competition in Australia.

This year also marks an important step forward with the introduction of a Women’s Homesglen Under 19 competition. With four teams already registered, the initiative provides a vital pathway for young women transitioning into senior football.

Representative Football Returns to the Spotlight

Following the success of the VAFA’s centennial celebrations in 2025, Big V representative football will again be a highlight of the 2026 season. Over the King’s Birthday long weekend, Senior Men’s and Women’s teams will travel to Norwood Oval in Adelaide to face the Adelaide Football League. The last meeting between the sides in South Australia, in 2018, saw both VAFA teams record convincing wins.

Further representative matches will take place on July 11 at Elsternwick Park, where Premier B to Division 3 and Under 19 teams will take on the Goulburn Valley League. More announcements are expected in the coming months.

Celebrating Milestones Across the Competition

2026 is a landmark year for several parts of the VAFA community. The VAFA Umpires Association celebrates its 100th anniversary, while Prahran Football Club turns 140 and Kew reaches an extraordinary 150 years. Chadstone (Syndal Tally Ho) marks 60 years, and Whitefriars celebrates 40.

Strong Partnerships and Key Events

The VAFA has acknowledged the ongoing support of its corporate and broadcast partners, whose commitment remains vital, particularly in challenging economic conditions. Off the field, the events calendar is already taking shape. The season began with a successful Golf Classic at Kingston Heath, while two major upcoming events include the Big V Luncheon on June 5 and the William Buck VAFA Finals Lunch on September 4, both at the RACV City Club.

Media Growth and New Faces

The VAFA Media team continues to gain recognition, recently taking home two honours at the AFL Victoria Community Football Media Awards for “For The Love of the Game” podcast and Community Football Photo of the Year. In 2026, the launch of a new Media Studio at Elsternwick Park will further expand coverage and content production. The team has also welcomed Hannah Davies as Commercial and Digital Marketing Coordinator.

Supporting Clubs and Community

Community initiatives remain at the heart of the VAFA’s mission. Programs such as Tackle Your Feelings continue to promote mental health awareness, while the Player Assistance Program provides counselling support for players, coaches, and umpires across the VAFA community. Clubs will also benefit from enhanced sustainability support, including strategic planning, fundraising guidance, financial benchmarking, and governance assistance.

A Strengthened Board for the Future

Following recent appointments, the VAFA Board is now fully formed for the first time in several years. The group brings together a mix of former club presidents and experienced professionals, ensuring strong leadership as the competition continues to evolve. Working alongside the administration team, the Board is well positioned to deliver on the Association’s strategic vision.

More Than Just Football

As the 2026 season begins, the VAFA is mindful of the broader challenges facing the world. In this context, community football provides something invaluable, a place of connection, belonging, and escape. The competition continues to be guided by its core values of inclusivity, respect, integrity, and community. These principles underpin a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the VAFA community. There is a clear message for the season ahead: discrimination, bullying, harassment, and violence have no place in the VAFA. Upholding these standards is a shared responsibility across the entire football community.

Looking Ahead

With strong participation, exciting initiatives, and a united community, the 2026 VAFA season promises to be another memorable chapter. As clubs prepare to take the field, there is a shared sense of optimism and a collective commitment to making the season one to remember.

Paul Newton
VAFA President