The 2026 Vawdon Cup gets underway tonight, Friday 4 September, tapping off what will be a pretty special year for the competition as we celebrate 50 years of Vawdon Cup.
This year we will have 125 teams competing across the competition, up another 10 teams from 2025 and 32 teams since changes were made to the competition format in 2024.
That growth is something we should be proud of.
It reflects the work being done by our Affiliates, the commitment of players and team officials, and importantly the number of people who continue to want to be part of the Vawdon Cup.
NSW Touch Football CEO Daniel Rushworth said the continued growth of the competition was a fitting way to begin its 50th year.
“To have 125 teams taking part in the Vawdon Cup in its 50th year is a phenomenal result and something the whole Touch Football community should be incredibly proud of. This competition has been built over five decades by so many people — players, coaches, referees, volunteers, administrators, and families; and this anniversary gives us a really important opportunity to recognise and celebrate that contribution.”
“But when we talk about 50 years of Vawdon Cup, it is impossible not to reflect on two of the great pioneers of our game, Ray Vawdon and Bob Dyke. They helped lay the foundations for Touch Football in NSW and I’m sure they would be immensely proud to see what the sport has become, the opportunities it now provides, and 125 teams preparing to take the field in a competition that carries Ray’s name. Fifty years is a significant milestone, and while we should absolutely celebrate the growth of the competition today, this season is also about acknowledging the people who came before us and made that growth possible.”
50 Years of Vawdon Cup
For a lot of people in our game, Vawdon Cup has simply always been there.
Friday nights and Sundays at the fields, playing with your Affiliate, catching up with people from across the Touch Football community and competing against some of the best players in the state has been part of the sport for generations.
Over the past 50 years, the competition has changed plenty, just as Touch Football has changed.
What hasn’t changed is the role Vawdon Cup plays in bringing our Affiliates together and providing an important competition and pathway for players, coaches and referees.
There are current players whose parents played Vawdon Cup. There are referees, coaches and administrators who have been involved across multiple generations. There are also plenty of people who will experience the competition for the first time this year.
All of them form part of the story of the Vawdon Cup.
Throughout the 2026 season we will be taking the opportunity to look back at some of the people, teams, moments and memories that have helped shape the competition over the past five decades.
We also want our community to be part of that.
If you have old photos, stories or memories from Vawdon Cup, keep an eye on NSWTF channels throughout the season as we celebrate 50 years together.
125 Teams Ready to Go
While this year is about recognising the history of the competition, there is also plenty to be excited about when we look at where Vawdon Cup is heading.
A total of 125 teams will take part this year.
That is 10 more than last season and 32 more than were competing prior to the format changes introduced in 2024.
More teams means more opportunities for people to play, more opportunities for Affiliates to be involved and greater depth across the competition.
We know there is always work to do and the competition will continue to evolve, but the growth over the past two seasons gives us a really strong base to build from.
For now though, it is time to get back on the field.
Check the 2026 Draw
The full 2026 Vawdon Cup draw is now live and includes game times, venues and fixtures across all divisions.
Players and team officials should continue to check the draw throughout the season, particularly where weather or venue changes may impact fixtures.
Watch Vawdon Cup Live
We also want to make it easier for people to follow the Vawdon Cup, whether they are at the fields or watching from home.
Throughout the season, all games played on the Stadium field at Tempe will be live streamed.
For tonight’s opening round, we are also extending coverage to Timbrell Park at Balmain, with all games played on Field 1 to be streamed live.
The Vawdon Cup Double Header at The Kingsway Playing Fields on Sunday 20 September will also be part of the broadcast schedule.
Games can be followed through NSW Touch Football’s YouTube channel and BarTV Sports.
If you can’t get to the fields, jump online and support your Affiliate.
Wet Weather and Venue Updates
We all know weather can play a part during the Vawdon Cup season.
Where field inspections are required, they will take place at:
- 3:00pm on Fridays
- 6:30am on Sundays
Once a decision has been made, Affiliate Coordinators will be advised and registered participants will also receive notification.
Updates will be shared through the NSW Touch Football website, Facebook and Instagram Stories.
The draw should also be checked regularly for any fixture or venue changes.
If wet weather is around, please make sure you check the official NSWTF channels before heading to the venue.
A Big Year Ahead
There is always a bit of excitement around the first round of Vawdon Cup.
For players, it is getting back on the field with teammates.
For coaches and managers, it is seeing months of planning finally turn into games.
For referees, volunteers and administrators, it is another season getting underway.
And for families and supporters, it is the return of Friday nights and Sundays around the Touch Football fields.
This year has the added significance of celebrating 50 years of the competition.
There will be plenty of time throughout the season to look back and recognise the people who have helped build Vawdon Cup.
Tonight, though, it is about getting started.
Check your draw, know where you are playing, make sure your team is ready and get behind your Affiliate.
And if you can’t be there, follow the action through YouTube or BarTV Sports.
125 teams. 50 years of Vawdon Cup.
Game Day starts now.
