Community Season kicks Off With 11,500 Free Footballs
- intouch Magazine
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
The 2025 community football season has officially kicked off across the northern NSW region, with another 11,500 free footballs distributed to young players.
The partnership between Northern NSW Football and Newcastle Permanent has supplied 136,500 free footballs to entry level players aged 5 to 7 since 2008 as well as vital football equipment to clubs across NNSWF’s seven member zones.
The partnership delivered an extra 1,500 balls to entry level players this season, up to 11,500 from 10,000, due to the 11 per cent increase in registered participants across northern NSW in 2024.
Newcastle Permanent will proudly continue as NNSWF’s major partner of community football for an 18th year, with community football to kick off across the Hunter region on the weekend of 26-27 April.
NNSWF experienced record-breaking participation numbers across northern NSW in 2024, with an incredible 96,264 total registered participants across the region.
That momentum looks set to continue with numbers again looking positive for the 2025 season. In the Newcastle Football, Macquarie Football and Hunter Valley Football regions, youth participation has increased by four per cent year to date from 2024.
NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes said Newcastle Permanent were a valued, long-term major partner.
“We are delighted that Newcastle Permanent will continue as our major partner of community football,” Haynes said.
“This partnership has been ongoing for almost two decades and in that time Newcastle Permanent’s support has ensured that the region’s largest sport remains safe, fun and affordable.
“We are looking forward to another exciting year of football. We wish every player, coach, match official and volunteer all the very best for the season ahead.”
Newcastle Permanent Kotara Branch Manager Olivia Skippen looked forward to another exciting season across the Hunter region.
“We’re very proud of our partnership with NNSWF, Newcastle Football, Macquarie Football and Hunter Valley Football and the joy football brings to thousands of youngsters each year,” Skippen said.
“Friends, fun and fitness – football has it all and we love seeing the smiles and the achievements on the field every season.”
Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens said 2025 would be another fantastic year for grassroots football.
“We’re looking forward to another spectacular season with NNSWF, Newcastle Football, Macquarie Football and Hunter Valley Football on and off the pitch,” Juergens said.
“As well our free footballs for the kids we are extending our support to the wider NNSWF community and have exclusive Newcastle Permanent offers which will be available throughout the season.”
