SANFL Juniors 2026 season launches at the SANFL High Performance Centre

30 March 2026

By ALEXANDRA BULL

The 2026 SANFL Juniors season officially launched on Saturday, with junior players, SANFL and SANFLW players, umpires, and officials coming together to celebrate the biggest junior football competition in the nation, before the season kicks off in early May.

Launched at the SANFL High Performance Centre by former Adelaide Crows player and SANFL Juniors Ambassador Rory Sloane, and SANFL Executive General Manager – Football Matt Duldig, with SANFLW players Lucy Moore (Woodville-West Torrens) and Asha Dufour (Glenelg) also in attendance.

The day also included a junior footy carnival, educational sessions from coaching and umpiring departments, the SA Kick Off Qualifying Final, with the morning also featuring the launch of the 2026 APM SANFL Inclusive League.

Four exciting pieces of silverware also made an appearance at the launch, as the AFL, AFLW, SANFL, and SANFLW cups made their way to Adelaide after travelling over 5000km around South Australia as part of the Gather Round Community Roadshow in the lead-up to Gather Round in two weeks.

“SANFL Juniors is one of the largest junior football competitions in Australia, and we take that responsibility seriously,” said SANFL Executive General Manager – Football, Matt Duldig.

“Across our clubs, kids are learning the game in positive, safe and welcoming environments, supported by coaches, umpires and volunteers who care deeply about their experience.  

“With more than 12,000 participants expected this season, our focus is on making sure every child enjoys their footy and wants to keep coming back.”