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Essendon Royals 2026 Girls Trials – Community & JGNPL

The Royals are excited to provide an update on Girls’ trials for the 2026 season.

Our girls program continues to grow from strength to strength. In 2025, three Royals players proudly made their NPLW debuts, while our senior women’s team – one of the youngest in the competition – reached a semi-final. 

These milestones highlight both the talent being developed at the Royals and the opportunities available for players in our pathway.

We are encouraged by the level of interest from new players looking to join the Royals girls program. 

At the same time, just like in our boys program, player retention is at historically high levels. That means spots for new players – particularly in older age groups where teams are already well-established – are very limited.

Community Girls (East Keilor Leisure Centre)

Community trials will take place across 9, 13, 15 & 16 October, with sessions running in two blocks (6.00–7.00pm and 7.15–8.15pm).

However, due to the club retaining in excess of 90% of its girls players from 2025, we will only be holding open trials for our youngest age group, Under-8s.

All other age group trials will be conducted in-house for existing players

Thursday 9 October

  • 6.00–7.00pm — U8 (2018/2019 born)

Thursday 16 October

  • 6.00–7.00pm — U8 (2018/2019 born)

📍 All trials will take place at East Keilor Leisure Centre.
⏰ Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to register. Ensure you have registered for trials and completed an EOI.

JGNPL Girls (Maribyrnong College)

Trials for our JGNPL program (U13, U15, U17 & U20) are confirmed for 20 & 23 October at Maribyrnong College.

Please note: All JGNPL trials are EOI/invite only. Players must complete an Expression of Interest form to be considered. Those selected will then be contacted directly with times and further details.

Looking Ahead

The growth of our girls and women’s program is something we are incredibly proud of. From the MiniRoos through to NPLW, opportunities at the Royals continue to expand — but with retention at record highs and limited access to grounds and coaches, we must carefully manage places across our teams.

We thank all families for their understanding and ongoing support, and we look forward to another exciting year of girls’ football at the Royals in 2026.