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One of the largest community sporting clubs in Victoria, home to more than 1000 players in red and white. Here is how to join us, where the openings are, and how to get on the Waiting List.
Essendon Royals is one of the largest community sporting clubs in Victoria, running four footballing programs for boys and girls of every age.
Because so many players want to wear red and white, the club is currently oversubscribed. That means we cannot find a spot for every player who wants to join. We would rather be honest about that than make a promise we cannot keep.
The good news is that positions do open up through the year. We advertise current openings and expressions of interest on this page, and there is always a Waiting List you can join. When a place becomes available, we go to our Waiting List first.
The club runs four footballing programs. Each one has its own intake, so the way in depends on where you fit. The status shown is for the 2026 season.
Our flagship men's and women's teams, competing in VPL2 and NPLW, along with the U20 and U23 squads that sit beneath them. The pathway for players chasing the next level.
Our youth elite boys program, the Boys Victoria Youth Premier League, from U13 through to U18. A structured, high-quality environment for our most committed young players.
Boys and girls football for all abilities, from MiniRoos and junior community teams through to open-age Thirds Men and State League 3 Women. The grassroots heart of the club.
Our introduction to football for children aged 4 to 9, built on the MiniRoos Kick-Off framework. Fun, inclusive 45-minute sessions where every child gets plenty of time on the ball.
We update this section through the season as positions and expressions of interest become available. Regardless of what is listed here, the Waiting List below is always open.
Sessions for children aged 4 to 9, running on Saturdays across the school terms. Register by term, semester or full year through the Football Programs page.
From time to time the club opens expressions of interest for players keen to join our U19 and U23 teams. When the window opens, it will be advertised here and across our news.
No opening that fits you yet? Join the Waiting List below. We contact players on the list first when a place opens up or when there is a chance to trial for a position.
There will always be a Waiting List form you can fill out, no matter what is happening at the club. Add your details and we will be in touch when the right opening comes up.
A concept layout for the refreshed site. The live form will connect to the club's registration system.
Spots in our senior and youth elite teams are limited, so trials are held by invitation rather than open sign-up. Joining the Waiting List or submitting an expression of interest is the way to put yourself on the club's radar for the next intake.
Whether it is a first kick at Kick-Starters or a shot at our senior squads, start by leaving your details with the club.
ESSENDON