Nominations open for 2026 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup

School’s back and that means nominations are now open for the 2026 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup; AFL Queensland’s premier AFL school sport competition.

AFL Queensland is encouraging schools from all corners of the state to enter, building on the event’s continued success and year-on-year participation growth.

Since it began in 2016, the StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup has soared to new heights, with a record 856 teams and more than 17,000 students participating in 2025. The competition, which spans from northern New South Wales to Cape York, engages young players in Australian rules football through a series of localised gala days, culminating in the State Finals for Secondary divisions and primary schools’ Hall of Fame Gala event, held annually on the Sunshine Coast.

Kieran Daley, Participation and Operations Manager Queensland, invited teachers and students across Queensland to consider entering.   

“We are excited to open nominations for the 2026 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup and welcome schools from all over Queensland to participate,” he said. 

“Our goal is to make the competition accessible to every school, regardless of location or previous experience with Australian rules football. 

“We want every student to have the chance to love and connect with our great game and this competition is the perfect platform to have a go.”

The StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup continues to be one of the most exciting and inclusive school sports events in Queensland. With registrations now open, AFL Queensland encourages schools to nominate their teams for the 2026 competition.

For more information, head to: https://play.afl/queensland/schools/aflq-schools-cup