April 2026 Club Update: Back at Cross Keys

The Royals are finally back at Cross Keys. After months on the road, our senior men, senior women, community kids and NPL programs return home this weekend as the club kicks off a massive period both on and off the pitch.

Club President Vitale Ferrante sat down with Club Secretary Matt Galea for the April monthly update to run through everything coming up, from our return to Cross Keys to Female Football Day, the Royal Queens Soiree, and a new online merch store.

We’re Back at Cross Keys

Cross Keys Reserve has undergone its second year of winter grass planting and the facility is looking better than ever. Pre-season started back in November, and every program has been training at venues across the City of Moonee Valley since then.

That all changes this weekend. The senior men take on Whittlesea United on Friday night, followed by the senior women hosting A-League Academy side Melbourne City on Saturday at 3pm. Friday will also serve as a Sponsors Night to thank our partners for their support through the away period.

This Weekend’s Fixtures

Friday Night | Senior Men v Whittlesea United

U23s kick off first, followed by the seniors. Sponsors gather from around 6pm.

Read the Nicholas James Lawyers Men’s Match Preview

Saturday | Senior Women v Melbourne City (NPLW)

First home game of the season for our senior women. U20 boys play in the morning, seniors at 3pm.

Read the Insight Body & Mind Women’s Match Preview

Female Football Day | Saturday 16 May

Save the date for the second annual Female Football Day at Cross Keys Reserve, proudly presented by Cinch. All NPL Girls teams are in action against Eltham Redbacks from 10:45am, building into the headline match: the Coveny-Curcija Plate, with our senior women taking on South Melbourne at 3pm.

The day is a celebration of female football across every age group at the club. Expect live entertainment, a Q&A panel with professional female footballers, face painting, a braid bar, sponsor marquees, and a free BBQ for any girl wearing red Royals gear. We want all our boys and men’s teams to come down and support our girls and women.

Royal Queens Soiree | Saturday 30 May

Back by popular demand after a sellout debut in 2025, the Royal Queens Soiree returns at Penny Young, Moonee Ponds on Saturday 30 May from 12pm. This one’s for the mums, sisters, partners and friends who make this club tick. Tickets on sale soon.

Team Photos: 4-7 May

Team photos for all community teams are being held between Sunday 4 May and Wednesday 7 May. A full schedule with times for each team will be announced in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on your team group chats and the club’s socials for details.

Welcome to Calmer Cafe

A big welcome to Tara and the Calmer Cafe team, our new canteen operators at Cross Keys Reserve. Calmer Cafe will be open on match days and training nights with a great menu, team dinner options, and a family-friendly setup.

New Online Store Coming Soon

We’re launching a brand new online store in partnership with our kit supplier Armadura. The store will feature two ranges: official team wear apparel and a new fashion line of hoodies, windcheaters and jackets designed by members of our general committee. Watch this space.

Evado Studios Injury Clinic

A reminder that our platinum partner Evado Studios is running a free injury clinic for all Essendon Royals players every Tuesday night, 4-6pm at their Essendon location. Full assessment, diagnosis, management plan, and return-to-play advice at no out-of-pocket cost. Football Victoria insurance covers up to 75% of ongoing treatment.

Don’t let small niggles become major injuries. Book your assessment.

Have You Downloaded the Royals App?

Stay across everything happening at the club with the official Essendon Royals app. Fixtures, results, news, events and more, all in one place. Head to app.essendonroyals.com.au and follow the onscreen prompts to download.