The Futsal National Championships will return to the Gold Coast from 13 to 17 January 2026 in what promises to be one of the most exciting futsal events on the Australian sporting calendar. As the premier competition for emerging talent across the country, the tournament brings together the best players from eight Member Federations for a week of elite football, community connection, and national pride.
The event will again be delivered by Football Queensland in partnership with Experience Gold Coast, with matches taking place at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre and the Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium. The announcement confirms that the Gold Coast will host the 2026, 2027, and 2028 tournaments, creating a stable home for Australia’s largest futsal competition.
For athletes with disability, including those competing in the Open AWD Mixed division, it is a vital stage for representation, pathway progression, and high performance development. Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT will continue working alongside families, coaches, and Member Federations to ensure athletes have the support needed to participate fully and confidently.
A Major Win for National Futsal Pathways
The new agreement between Football Australia, Football Queensland, and Experience Gold Coast secures three consecutive years of National Futsal Championships on the Gold Coast. This commitment creates consistency for athletes and their communities, allowing long term planning, pathway alignment, and increased opportunities for skill development.
The tournament will feature players across multiple age groups and divisions including:
- Under 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 Boys
- Youth and Open Men
- Under 13, 15, and 17 Girls
- Youth and Open Women
- Open AWD Mixed (Athletes with Disability)
The AWD division remains a crucial part of the tournament as futsal continues to build stronger inclusion pathways nationwide. Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT recognises the importance of these opportunities and is committed to growing representation in this space.
What the 2026 Championships Mean for NSW & ACT Athletes
For athletes in NSW and ACT, the 2026 National Championships represent a key milestone in their sporting journey. Whether they are emerging talents, established players, or AWD athletes progressing through inclusive pathways, the event provides:
- Access to national level competition
- Exposure to high performance coaching
- Personal development opportunities
- A chance to represent their state on the national stage
- Community connection with teams across Australia
Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT will continue supporting athletes to navigate eligibility, classification where applicable, and preparation for tournament selection.
Quote from Greg Brown, Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT
“The National Futsal Championships are a powerful example of what sport can achieve when inclusion is prioritised. For athletes with disability, especially those competing in the Open AWD Mixed division, this tournament represents opportunity, visibility, and genuine pathway progression.
We are incredibly proud of how NSW and ACT athletes represent themselves on and off the court. Our organisation will continue working with Member Federations and community partners to make sure every eligible athlete has access to these pathways. The Gold Coast will once again provide an amazing backdrop for competition, connection, and celebration of talent.”
A Prime Location for Competition and Community
The Gold Coast is one of the most iconic sporting and tourism regions in Australia. With world class facilities, accessible accommodation, and plenty of family friendly attractions, the location enhances the championship experience for athletes, parents, and supporters.
Football Queensland has highlighted the Gold Coast as the home of Australia’s peak futsal event, noting its proven capacity to deliver world class tournaments and attract strong community engagement.
The extended hosting agreement means families and players can plan ahead, create long term goals, and experience the consistency required for elite competition.
Inclusion and Representation at the Championships
The Open AWD Mixed division is a crucial part of the National Futsal Championships. It acknowledges the talent, commitment, and competitive drive of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT has played a growing role in:
- Providing guidance on eligibility
- Supporting classification
- Designing inclusive pathways for school age and adult athletes
- Connecting families with Member Federations
- Delivering inclusive futsal development programs in partnership with schools and clubs
This work ensures that athletes with disability not only have access to participation but long term competitive opportunities.
Preparing NSW & ACT Athletes for 2026
Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT will continue to support preparation through:
- Skill development programs
- Inclusive school clinics
- Regional futsal activation sessions
- Partner club programs including futsal and indoor football
- Coach education and awareness
- Information on eligibility, classification, and required documentation
Families are encouraged to stay updated through our website and social channels for announcements regarding trials, development sessions, and selection pathways.
Impact Beyond the Court
The National Futsal Championships deliver far more than medals and match results. They support the broader development of Australian futsal by:
- Strengthening community engagement
- Creating national networking opportunities
- Increasing visibility for AWD athletes
- Boosting tourism and regional economic activity
- Providing development opportunities for coaches and referees
The event brings together sport, community, and culture in a way that reflects the values of inclusion and participation.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 tournament set from 13 to 17 January, Sport Inclusion NSW & ACT looks forward to continuing its support for athletes, families, and community partners. As futsal grows nationally, so too does the importance of strong, inclusive pathways that embrace every athlete.
The Gold Coast will once again host an unforgettable week of competition, teamwork, and national pride. NSW and ACT athletes will be ready.
