Several football clubs across the Macquarie and Hunter Valley Football zones are weighing up whether to leave their existing competitions and join Newcastle Football, following a major split between the three governing bodies. The move comes after Newcastle confirmed it would run its own inter-district competitions this season for under‑12’s through to over‑35’s, ending a long‑standing joint structure involving about 25,000 players.
Newcastle Football withdrew from the partnership last week, citing long‑held concerns about governance transparency and financial discrepancies. Chair Jenny Ward and general manager Chris Brain said those issues were raised with the other zones more than a year ago, and again at the group’s 2025 annual meeting.
“Despite professional and respectful efforts to understand and resolve these matters, we have not been able to obtain information at a level appropriate for our clubs and members,” the organisation said.
Macquarie and Hunter Valley zones sought urgent mediation through Northern NSW Football, but Newcastle declined to attend, effectively ending the prospect of a three‑zone competition this season. Northern NSW Football chief executive Peter Haynes said the breakdown in relationships was disappointing, particularly so close to the start of the 2026 season, but the governing body would now focus on supporting all zones to deliver competitions.
The fallout has prompted some clubs to hold urgent meetings on Wednesday and Thursday to consider switching zones. At least one club has engaged legal advice to determine whether its constitution allows for a move to Newcastle Football. Any change would be put to members once formal advice is received.
Concerns have been raised that the separation could create uneven scorelines and force players into higher grades due to a lack of depth. Newcastle Football says it will offer suitable competition places for any team left stranded by the shift and will not seek registration or affiliation fees from clubs that join fixtures from outside the zone. Nominations for Newcastle competitions have been extended to March 9, with the season set to begin on April 17.
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