Essendon Royals January 2026 Club Update: Season Prep, Sponsors and What’s Next
The 2026 season is here, and there has been a lot happening behind the scenes at Essendon Royals to set every program up for a strong year ahead.
This is our first monthly club update for 2026 — a new way to keep players, families, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters across what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and the work underway to support our football community.
Watch the January 2026 Club Update Video
If you want to jump straight to the parts most relevant to you, use these chapter markers:
- 00:00 – Welcome back & purpose of monthly updates
- 01:20 – Off-season work & squad preparation
- 02:15 – Strengthening the technical department
- 03:35 – Sponsorships and partner acknowledgements
- 06:45 – Team sponsorships returning in 2026
- 08:10 – Advanced junior and senior season kick-offs
- 09:10 – Senior men venue update
- 10:00 – Essendon Royals app preview
Off-season work across football programs
A significant amount of planning and preparation has taken place throughout the off-season across every part of the club. In a club of our size, much of the work happens away from matchdays — squad planning, coaching appointments, training schedules, and operational coordination all need to be in place well before competition begins.
Across our advanced junior programs, the club has focused strongly on player retention, development, and squad stability. Our Technical Directors and coaching staff have worked closely to establish squads for the 2026 season, with the vast majority now finalised and ready to begin competition.
Our community teams are also nearing completion, helping ensure a smooth lead-in to the season for all families.
We also want to wish all of our advanced junior teams the very best as competition begins across late January and early February, with our senior men’s and women’s programs commencing before the next update.
Strengthening the technical department
Strengthening the football department remains a priority for Essendon Royals, with a continued focus on clear pathways, strong coaching support, and a positive player experience across all programs.
We are pleased to welcome Grace Maher and Lydia Schifferegger into key roles supporting our girls’ pathway:
- Grace Maher – Advanced Girls Technical Director
- Lydia Schifferegger – Junior Girls Liaison & Assistant Technical Director
These roles strengthen the girls’ program and provide added support for players and families, both on and off the pitch. They also reinforce the club’s focus on leadership development and long-term program stability.
Thank You to Our Major Partners
Essendon Royals proudly acknowledges the continued support of our major partners for the 2026 season. Their commitment allows the club to invest in football programs, facilities, and the overall experience for players and families.
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
Nicholas James Lawyers
Nicholas James Lawyers continue their long-standing partnership with Essendon Royals as Principal Partner for 2026. The club sincerely thanks Nick Terziovski and the NJL team for their ongoing commitment to community football.
Visit Nicholas James LawyersPLATINUM PARTNERS
Dneta Homes
Dneta Homes return as a Platinum Partner in 2026, continuing their strong support of the Essendon Royals community.
Visit Dneta Homes
Coburg Super Finish
A long-time supporter of the club, Coburg Super Finish recommit as a Platinum Partner for the 2026 season.
Visit Coburg Super Finish
Evado Studios
Evado Studios continue as a Platinum Partner, supporting the club through performance, recovery, and conditioning services.
Visit Evado StudiosTeam sponsorships returning in 2026
Following strong interest and uptake in 2025, team sponsorships are returning for 2026, allowing local businesses to support a specific team through additional branded apparel.
Packages include:
- $3,000+GST – Spray jackets or hoodies
- $5,000_GST – Spray jackets and hoodies
This option has proven popular with small businesses and supporters who want to back a team directly. Several teams have already secured sponsorships for 2026 and availability is limited.
To enquire or lock in a team sponsorship:
Sherene Di Sauro – General Manager
Email: gm@essendonroyals.com.au
Season kick-off and senior men venue update
The 2026 season is fast approaching across advanced juniors and seniors. Members are encouraged to get behind the club early, attend fixtures where possible, and support teams as they begin competition.
The senior men will play their first three home fixtures at Nasiol Stadium. Essendon Royals thanks Hume City for their collaboration and support during this period, as the club works through venue arrangements ahead of a return to Cross Keys Reserve, currently pencilled in for early April.
Essendon Royals app launch imminent
The Essendon Royals app is in final testing and will soon provide fixtures, communications, and sponsor offers in one central place.
The app will include:
- Senior and advanced junior fixtures
- A community hub for important club updates
- Sponsor offers and promotions
- Club-wide and team-specific notifications
More features will continue to roll out over the coming weeks.
This app has been developed in partnership with our media suppliers, Content Hype.
Apparel update: Armadura deliveries
Senior and Advanced Junior kits have arrived with Armadura and are currently being sorted.
Collection is expected on Thursday 29 January at Ormond Park.
Affected teams will receive specific communication via their Team Managers.
Community apparel is expected to be ready for delivery in mid-February, with further updates to follow once timelines are confirmed.
Stay connected
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to preparations heading into the new season — players, families, coaches, volunteers, and sponsors.
We will continue to share these updates monthly across club channels, including the website, email, and app.
We Are Royals.