Proudly presented by
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 2027 intake.
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 program for boys and girls, competing in the Boys and Girls Victoria Youth Premier Leagues. 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.
For talented boys chasing a place in our Victoria Youth Premier League squads, U13 through to U18, plus the VPL U20 and U23 pathway above them. Trial dates announced after EOIs are reviewed.
Submit an EOI →For talented girls chasing a place in our Girls Victoria Youth Premier League squads and the NPLW U20 pathway. Trial dates announced after EOIs are reviewed.
Submit an EOI →Open-age pathway football beneath our senior men. For players ready to push for VPL2 minutes and put themselves in front of our senior coaching staff.
Submit an EOI →The Royals are always looking for quality people. If you want to coach, assist or manage a team in red and white next season, tell us about yourself.
Submit an EOI →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.
Always openThere 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.
One form covers every program. We contact the Waiting List first when a place opens up.
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