VAFA Proud to Support 2026 NextGen Cup

The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) is proud to continue its support of NextGen Unite (NGU), with the fourth annual NextGen Unite Cup set to take place on Saturday 17 October at Whitten Oval. 

Delivered in collaboration with the Western Bulldogs and Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, the NGU Cup has become an important celebration of football, culture and community, showcasing some of Victoria’s most exciting emerging South Sudanese and African football talent. 

More than just a football event, the Cup provides a powerful platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities, celebrate their cultural identity and pursue opportunities within Australian football, while bringing families and communities together through a shared passion for the game. 

Established in 2021, NextGen Unite is a youth-focused not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering the next generation of South Sudanese Australians. Built around four strategic pillars (Culture, Education, Employment and Talent) NGU delivers programs that foster leadership, resilience, connection and opportunity, supporting thousands of young people to realise their potential both on and off the field. 

The VAFA is proud to contribute to the event through the provision of umpires, helping ensure the successful delivery of the Cup and reinforcing the VAFA’s commitment to supporting inclusive, culturally diverse and connected football communities. 

Following another successful event in 2025, the 2026 NextGen Unite Cup promises to build on its growing legacy, celebrating not only the extraordinary talent within the South Sudanese and African communities, but also the positive impact football can have beyond the boundary line. 

2026 NextGen Unite Cup 

• Date: Saturday 17 October 2026 

• Venue: Whitten Oval, Footscray 

• Organiser: NextGen Unite, in collaboration with the Western Bulldogs and Western Bulldogs Community Foundation 

For more information about NextGen Unite and its initiatives, visit www.ngu.org.au.