By Disability Sports Australia Media Team
University of Newcastle FC to host community football showcase in support of Disability Sports Australia
University of Newcastle FC will host the inaugural Callaghan Cup on Saturday 1 August 2026 at Ray Watt Oval, raising funds to help Disability Sports Australia create more opportunities for people with disability to take part in sport.
The event will feature seven matches, culminating in the Women’s and Men’s First Grade fixtures between University of Newcastle FC and Northumberland United.
Raffles, auctions and other fundraising activities will be held throughout the day, with proceeds supporting Disability Sports Australia’s national work with sporting organisations and communities.
Mackenzie Davis, Vice President said the club was proud to use the event to support greater participation in community sport.
“Community football brings people together, and the Callaghan Cup gives our club an opportunity to use that platform to make a practical difference.
“We are proud to support Disability Sports Australia and hope players, families and the broader Newcastle community get behind the day.”
Disability Sports Australia Chief Executive Officer Ayden Shaw said community fundraising played an important role in helping the organisation extend its impact.
“Disability Sports Australia has not traditionally received a large amount of community fundraising, so the support behind the Callaghan Cup genuinely means a lot,” Mr Shaw said.
“Every dollar raised will directly support our work to help more people with disability find opportunities to take part in sport in their local community.
“We are incredibly grateful to University of Newcastle FC, Northumberland United and everyone who has contributed to making the event possible.”
Event Details
Event: Inaugural Callaghan Cup
Date: Saturday 1 August 2026
Venue: Ray Watt Oval, Callaghan
Host: University of Newcastle FC
Fixture: University of Newcastle FC vs Northumberland United
Supporting: Disability Sports Australia
The community is encouraged to attend, enjoy a full day of football and entertainment, and support an event that showcases the positive impact grassroots sport can have both on and off the field.
ENDS
Media contacts:
Ayden Shaw
Chief Executive Officer
Disability Sports Australia
E: ayden@sports.org.au
University of Newcastle FC
Maisy Osborn
Social Media Manager
About Disability Sports Australia:
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is a national non-profit, registered charity, and National Sporting Organisation for people with disability, dedicated to increasing participation in sport.
For more than 65 years, DSA and its predecessor organisations have helped shape disability sport across Australia. Today DSA works with its members, sporting organisations, governments, clubs and communities to increase participation opportunities for people with disability and strengthen how sport is delivered nationally.
