Takumi returns for 2026

The Essendon Royals are excited to announce that Takumi Niwa has recommitted to the Royals for 2026! The creative midfielder joined the Royals last season from AC Nagano Parceiro in Japan’s third tier, and made an immediate impression with his tenacity and skill on the ball. He was a shining light for the Royals in […]
Dean Clarke signs on for 2026

The club is delighted to announce that Senior Men’s attacker Dean Clarke has re-signed for the 2026 VPL2 season. The Irishman joined the Royals midway through the 2023 season and made an immediate impact, scoring 10 goals, finishing as the club’s top goalscorer, and helping the side survive their first season in VPL2. Since then, […]
Brad Norton signs on for 2026

ERSC is delighted to reveal that Victorian football legend Brad Norton is back for season 2026. A veteran of over 300 games at South Melbourne, Norton swapped Hellas blue for Royals red in 2024. Equally adept at left back or in the centre of defence, his experience and leadership will continue to be an invaluable […]
Senior Men’s Backroom Staff Confirmed for 2026

Essendon Royals are pleased to reveal that Senior Men’s coaches Juan Toro, Bobby Trenkovski and team manager Steve Tribuzio have recommitted for the 2026 VPL2 season. Juan has served as our Strength & Conditioning Coach since 2019, arriving alongside then-head coach Vitale Ferrante, and helping the club to promotion from State League One in 2022. […]
Essendon Royals announces new apparel partnership with Armadura

The Essendon Royals are delighted to announce Armadura as the club’s official apparel provider in 2026! The new partnership will see Armadura supply playing, training, and off-field apparel for all Royals teams. Armadura is a Melbourne-based and Australian-owned brand known for its high-quality, performance-driven sportswear and commitment to supporting local clubs. Their custom designs and […]
Davey Van’t Schip Re-Signs as Senior Men’s Assistant Coach for 2026

Essendon Royals are delighted to announce that Davey Van’t Schip is back on board as Senior Men’s Assistant Coach for the 2026 season. Van’t Schip will continue to work alongside Head Coach Michael Ferrante, extending a strong partnership that has helped drive the continued progress of the Royals’ senior program. A respected figure at the […]
Mick Ferrante to lead Essendon Royals into 2026

The Essendon Royals are delighted to confirm that Michael Ferrante will continue as Senior Men’s Head Coach in 2026. Ferrante is a Royal through and through, representing the club as a junior before finishing his distinguished senior career at the club and transitioning to coaching. Next season will be his fifth year at the helm. […]
Essendon Royals 2026 BVYPL Trials Update

Essendon Royals has been overwhelmed by the level of interest in our advanced boys’ program, with more than 1,000 EOIs received across all age groups. This reflects the growing reputation of our program and the outstanding work of our 2025 squads and coaches. Given the high retention of players from our 2025 BVYPL and NPL […]
Lydia Schifferegger appointed Assistant Junior/Community Girls Technical Director & Women’s Liaison Officer

Essendon Royals are proud to announce the appointment of Lydia Schifferegger as the club’s new Assistant Junior/Community Girls Technical Director and Women’s Liaison Officer – a move that strengthens our commitment to growing the girls and women’s football program from the grassroots up. A familiar face around the club, Lydia has been a key part […]
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 […]