DECLARATION OF LEAGUES – 2026

Football South Coast Advances Premier League Vision with 2026 Club Line-Up. 

Football South Coast (FSC) has confirmed the 2026 Men’s and Women’s Premier League competitions, featuring a mix of returning clubs, new entrants, and ambitious teams from across the Illawarra.

It continues FSC’s broader strategy to grow the game by strengthening connections between junior and senior pathways across both Men’s and Women’s Premier League competitions.

Clubs Return to Men’s Premier League

Woonona Football Club, Figtree Football Club, Dandaloo FC and Highlands FC will return to the Premier League competition in 2026. This announcement also marks the introduction of the new Men’s Premier League 3 competition, an expansion designed to provide more opportunities for clubs and players, and to deepen the competitive landscape across the region.

For Woonona, the move is described as a significant milestone in the club’s growth.

“Woonona Football Club is very pleased to be returning to the New Men’s Premiership competitions in 2025, marking another milestone in the club’s growth,” said Scott Kell, President of Woonona FC.

“Woonona FC can now offer a true, comprehensive pathway, inclusive for everyone.”

“We want our players to know they can stay with Woonona for life. From a child’s very first kick, through to their twilight in masters, there is a place for them at Ocean Park.”

“This milestone highlights the club’s strength, inclusiveness, and long-term vision. We want to thank our volunteers, sponsors, coaches, and players for their ongoing dedication.”

Figtree’s elevation to Premier League 3 was also welcomed as a sign of the club’s resurgence.

“For Figtree Football Club, founded in 1964 and a cornerstone of Wollongong’s football community, elevation to Premier League 3 marks a triumphant return to elite senior competition. This achievement is more than a step up the ladder; it’s a fulfillment of our core mission to bridge the gap between our thriving junior program and the highest levels of competitive play,” said Dallas McConnell, VP Operations at Figtree FC.

Competition Expands with New Entrants

Albion Park, Coledale and Shellharbour Juniors will all step into the new Men’s Premier League structure for the first time. Each of these clubs has a strong junior base, providing pathways for hundreds of young players to progress into senior men’s football.

Adding further depth, Bellambi, Warilla and Corrimal will transition from Premier League 2 into the new structure, ensuring the competition retains a strong mix of tradition and fresh energy.

The introduction of the Men’s Premier League 3 competition marks a significant step in FSC’s development strategy, requiring only First and Second Grade squads. This streamlined structure offers an opportunity to compete at a high level while building toward long-term sustainability and growth.

Women’s Premier League Continues to Thrive

The Women’s Premier League returns in 2026 with a familiar line-up of clubs in 2026, reflecting the competition’s stability and the ongoing commitment of participating teams to high-level football in the region. This ensures clubs can focus on building depth across all grades and strengthening pathways for female players.

The momentum behind the women’s game is clear, with increasing community support, rising player numbers, and growing pride in the league’s role as a platform for talent and leadership. The consistency of the club line-up allows for long-term planning, deeper investment in development, and an exciting future for female footballers across the region.

FSC’s Vision

Ann-Marie Ballina, FSC CEO, said the declaration of leagues reflects both growth and opportunity:

“We are excited to see such a strong group of clubs confirmed for the Men’s Premiership Competitions. The structure provides clubs with the opportunity to test themselves in highly competitive environments, while also ensuring sustainable pathways for players, coaches, and officials.

“We are confident the experience of competing in these leagues will strengthen the game and deliver long-term benefits for football across the region.”

“Our declaration of leagues for 2026 underlines FSC’s broader goal: to create an inclusive, sustainable, and competitive structure that offers a genuine pathway for players of all ages and abilities while strengthening the fabric of community football across the Illawarra.”

Declaration of Leagues 2026 – Men’s Premiership

Declaration of Leagues 2026 – Women’s Premiership

The FSC Board