Panthers Ready for Kick-off: 2026 Competition Structures Finalized

Warners Bay FC is pleased to provide an update to all our players, families, and supporters regarding the upcoming 2026 season. Following recent discussions between regional football bodies, we have finalized the competition structures for all our teams.

Senior Men’s Football (ZL1 & Conference League) Our First Grade, Reserve Grade, and Conference League teams will officially compete in the Zone Football League (ZFL) for the 2026 season. Our club remains committed to the promotion and relegation pyramid, ensuring our senior players continue to compete at a high level.

Junior & Community Football (U12 to Over 35s) We are excited to announce that our community competition teams will join the newly formed INTERZONE Football league. This joint venture between Macquarie Football and Hunter Valley Football will feature over 10,000 players, ensuring competitive and well-graded matches for our players from Under 12s through to our senior community teams.

MiniRoos (U5 to U11) Our youngest Panthers will continue to play in the local Macquarie Football Coles MiniRoos competitions, focusing on fun, development, and team spirit.

Key Dates:

• ZFL Kick-off: Friday, 20 March 2026 – Sunday, 22 March 2026.
• INTERZONE & MiniRoos Kick-off: Friday, 17 April 2026 – Sunday, 19 April 2026

The Warners Bay FC Executive would like to thank our members for their patience during this period. Our priority has remained ensuring that every player has a place to play in a sanctioned, high-quality competition.

We look forward to seeing the Panther mascot back at John Street Field very soon!

Warners Bay Football Club acknowledges correspondence received from Newcastle Football Association advising of their decision to withdraw from the Inter-district Competition from the 2026 season and beyond.

For clarity, the Inter-district Competition encompasses age groups from Under 12s through to Men’s o35s and Women’s All Age teams. Coles Miniroos are unaffected.

This development was unexpected, and we understand that it may raise questions within our football community.

Macquarie Football is currently assessing what this means for the 2026 season and beyond. Warners Bay Football Club is working closely with Macquarie Football throughout this process to ensure we remain informed and aligned as future arrangements are considered.

Our priority remains to provide stability, clarity, and a strong pathway forward for our players, coaches, and families. We are committed to supporting a sustainable and well-structured football environment for our community.

We value the relationships built through the Inter-district Competition and acknowledge the cooperation shared between associations over the years.

Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Warners Bay FC Committee.

2025 Annual General Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting, held on Monday, November 3, 2025, saw the election of our new leadership team. Congratulations to the following individuals who will guide the club forward:

Executive:

• President: Nathan Aurisch
• Vice President: Brett Urbanowicz
• Treasurer: Mark Keeping
• Secretary: Ian Cowling

General Committee:

• Jeremy Loades
• Troy Hooker
• Marni Bouman (New in 2026)
• Tim Bowd (New in 2026)
• Ben Donaghey (New in 2026)
• Nicholas Dann (New in 2026)

The reports presented by the President and Treasurer highlighted the Club's outstanding financial and membership growth. We're proud to report a high level of interest, with numerous requests from entire teams wishing to join us. However, our current facilities are operating at full capacity.

Calling on our WBFC Community!

We're reaching out to ask for support for someone who has given so much to our club: our incredible Under 17 Girls A Grade Coach, Ian Weimer.

Ian isn't just a coach; he's a mentor, a source of unwavering encouragement, and a true champion for every player who steps onto the field. Now, he and his family need our support as they navigate a challenging time.

If Ian has ever helped you or your daughter grow as a player or a person, please consider making a contribution to or better still, attend his fundraiser. Every dollar helps ease their burden and lets them focus on what truly matters.

It's been a tough time for Ian and his family - let's show Ian the depth of the Warners Bay FC family's spirit.

Sunday 7th December | From 2PM

Toronto Hotel

See the Toronto Hotel staff or click the button to call and book a table.

What a night! 🎉

Huge thanks to everyone who came out to the Zone League Awards on Saturday, October 25th at the Warners Bay Hotel! It was an incredible evening celebrating our awesome players and their achievements throughout the season. And a massive shoutout to our fantastic MC, Craig Koosmen, who kept the energy high and the laughs coming! What were your favourite moments? Tell us in the comments! 👇

Golden Boot: Dan Robson 

Third Grade Players Player: Kris Fay 🍺 

Reserve Grade Players Player: Tendai Chivizhe 🍺 

First Grade Players Player: Brett Lancaster 🍺 

Craig Koosmen Glued Boot Award: Oliver Davidson

Rookie of the Year: Nick Bull 🏆🍺 

Goose of the Year: Brett Lancaster 🪿 

Clubman of the Year: Ian Cowling 🏆🍺 

Third Grade Coaches Choice: Liam Lucas  

Reserve Grade Coaches Choice: Lachlan Urbanowicz  

First Grade Coaches Choice: Sean Potter 

Club Champion: Ethan Cowling 🏆🍺