Expressions of Interest (EOI) – 2026 Season

Essendon Royals SC is preparing to open Expressions of Interest for every program across the club as we plan for the 2026 season. Demand is already at a record high and a staged EOI process will help us allocate coaching staff, venues and trial dates as fairly and efficiently as possible.

Why the Interest?

• Junior Boys NPL (JBNPL) – Essendon Royals is on track to claim Division 1 status in 2026, cementing the Royals as one of Melbourne’s premier boys’ NPL programs.
  
• Junior Girls NPL (JGNPL) – A strong first half-season signals an exciting future for our girls’ elite program.
  
• Community Football – From Kick-Starters to senior social teams, our community arm continues to thrive, reflecting the club’s “Football for All” ethos.
  
• Pathways to the Top – Each year we see Royals graduate to our owns senior teams, as well as A-League Academies and FV State Teams, underlining the quality of coaching delivered bythe club, led by our Head of Football Vaughan Coveny and our Technical Directors.

Staged EOI Release

Stage	Opens	Covers
Phase 1	In the coming days	• JBNPL U13–U23 • JGNPL U13–U18 • U8–U12 Boys Kanga / Pre-NPL Squads
Phase 2	Later in the off-season	• Community teams U8–U18 (boys & girls)• Senior Community & Social football

Registration links and trial information will be published as each phase opens. Staggering the release ensures we understand numbers early, protect the development pathways of current players, and meet the competitive demands of NPL football.

For the purpose of preparing for trials, we have the following indicative dates:

Pre-NPL/Kangas U8-U12 – Early September (upon conclusion of season)

JBNPL/VPL – Within FV Trial Window (not yet set)

All other community teams – Early October

Coaches EOI

We also welcome expressions of interest from coaches who share our commitment to player-centred development and club values. Details will accompany the Phase 1 release.

As always we will be seeking Expressions of Interest for NPL and community coaching roles.

A Delicate Balance

The end-of-season and trials period is always challenging. We must balance an influx of new talent with the aspirations of our existing members, all while maintaining the high standards expected in the NPL environment. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work through this process.

For enquiries, please email clubadmin@essendonroyals.com.au or contact the Football Department: hof@essendonroyals.com.au