Barossa gears up for Think! Road Safety SA Country Football Championships

The Barossa is getting ready to host the 2026 THINK! Road Safety SA Country Football Championships next month – the first time the region has hosted the event since 2023.

Around 250 of South Australia’s best male and female country players, along with hundreds of officials from regional leagues across the state, will gather in Lyndoch from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12 at the award-winning Barossa Park.

The Round 14 Hostplus SANFL League match between Central District and South Adelaide will be a highlight of the Championships, taking place in the heart of the Bulldog’s country zone on the Saturday at 4.10pm.

The South East – which includes players from the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara, Limestone Coast and Mid South East Football Leagues – are looking to go back-to-back in the men’s Championships, while the Eastern women’s squad – with players from the Hills, Riverland, River Murray and Murray Valley Football Leagues, are searching for a three-peat of titles.

At the conclusion of the Country Championships, a men’s and women’s Team of the Championships will be announced. And for the first time, there’s plans for the women’s Team of the Championships to play the best team from the Adelaide Footy League, highlighting the growth of women’s football in South Australia.

A Friday night clash under lights between the Eastern and Central men’s teams will kick off the 2026 THINK! Road Safety SA Country Football Championships at Barossa Park from 6pm.

Other highlights of the three-day Championships include a festival on the Saturday at Barossa Park to elevate the atmosphere and encourage locals and visitors from across the state to come and enjoy the footy. The Saturday festival culminates in the Hostplus SANFL League match that afternoon.

There’s also a SANFL Junior Clinic at Barossa Park on Friday from 12-4pm, and a welcome Cocktail function on the Friday night. The THINK! Road Safety SA Country Football Championship presentations take place after the final game on Sunday afternoon.

Every match of the 2026 Think! Road Safety SA Country Football Championships will be streamed live on SANFL Now.

SANFL Head of Community Football Shawn Ford said:

“The Country Championships are more than just a football carnival – they are one of the biggest regional sporting events on the South Australian calendar and will bring substantial social and economic benefits to the Barossa community.

“This iconic weekend of football will celebrate everything we love about country footy in South Australia and provide Barossa residents the chance to see SANFL footy in their own backyard when the Bulldogs take on South at Barossa Park on Saturday night.

“SANFL has been a strong and committed road safety advocate for many years and the THINK! Road Safety SA Country Football Championships are a wonderful event for us to educate and drive home crucial messages to our football community about road safety.”

Minister for Police, Hon. Michael Brown MP said:

“Fatigue remains one of the most dangerous risks on our regional roads, which is why campaigns like this are so important – a rest could save your life.

It’s great to have SANFL on board to help us take that message directly to the community, using the reach of country football to remind people to plan ahead, take breaks and never push through when they’re tired.”

Barossa Council Mayor Bim Lange OAM said:

“Attracting marquee events like the Country Championships and SANFL League game is exactly what was always envisaged for Barossa Park and is testament to the great working relationship between Council and the SANFL.

“You couldn’t ask for a better venue to watch some of SA’s most talented country male and female footballers, as well as top league players.

“Events like this show just how well Barossa Park complements and strengthens our region’s broader event and tourism strategy. A weekend event over multiple days brings a real influx of visitors to the region, strengthens overnight stays and delivers a genuine economic boost for the Barossa.”