JCL 2026
Season Pathway
Your complete guide to the 2026 competition structure
Why Enter JCL 2026?
Best-v-Best Football
Inspired by Europe's elite competition formats, JCL delivers the highest level of midweek youth football in Victoria, with cross-zone matchups and a genuine finals pathway.
Professional Production
Qualified referees, live streaming of one pitch per week, premier competition management, and top club facilities across the state.
Awards & Recognition
Trophies for winning teams. Medals for finalists. Individual awards for Golden Boot, MVP, and Golden Glove so your players get the spotlight they deserve.
Tech-Powered Experience
Live fixtures & schedules on the dedicated JCL Website and Official JCL App. Everything your team needs, in one place, all season long.
245
Teams in 2025
8,000+
Participants
5
Zones statewide
3
Divisions
2026 Season
Registration Fees
U8 / U9
7v7 Format
$890
per team
U10 – U13
9v9 & 7v7 Format
$990
per team
Balance Payment Due — 7 May 2026
The registration fee is in addition to the $100 qualifier entry fee already paid. Teams must pay the full remaining balance by 7 May 2026 to secure their spot in the season.
Fixture Requests
Any fixture requests must be sent via email to info@sportsgroup.melbourne before Monday 1/6 to be considered. Any fixture requests after this date, must be received no later than 10 business days prior to your fixture. Please note that not all requests can be actioned due to limited venue capacity.
âš˝ U8/9 Girls & U10/11 Girls
These age groups will not go through the qualification phase and will jump straight into the action, kicking off from Matchday 1 midweek. More details on their specific format will be shared shortly.
1
Phase 1 – Qualifiers
3 x 15-min games · No half-time break · No penalties
NORTH / WEST
Zones: North & West
+
SOUTH / EAST
Zones: South & East
Top 16 per region qualify to JCL1
Points + GD decides qualification
Zones may combine if needed
Groups of 4
Top 2 teams qualify to JCL1 Group Stage
Groups of 5
Top 3 teams qualify to JCL1 Group Stage
Then
The best-placed remaining teams across all other groups within their region fill any remaining spots to make up the top 16.
Teams not in top 16
Move into JCL2, where they also compete across 3 midweek fixtures in groups of 4. Same experience, same quality competition.
2
Phase 2 – JCL Group Stage
Matchdays 1–3 · Once per month · 25-min halves
32 JCL1 teams · Groups of 4
JCL1 & JCL2 play midweek
1ST & 2ND
Advance to the JCL1 knockout phases
3RD & 4TH
Move into JCL2 or JCL3 Matchday 4 knockout games depending on team volume.
3
Phase 3 – Road to Finals
Matchday 4 · Saturday in August
JCL1
Round of 16 and Quarter Finals played on the same day. All games: 25-min halves.
- R16Lose: knocked out
- QFWin R16: progress to QF
- SFWin QF: advance to Semi-Finals
JCL2 & JCL3
JCL3 is introduced at Matchday 4, matching teams as closely as possible to their level for a fair finals pathway.
JCL2 & JCL3 progressions confirmed closer to MD4.
SGM ANZ Tours
Your Team. Your Tour
Your Team. Your Tour
Australia, New Zealand & Beyond.
SGM runs fully managed football tours built around Australia and New Zealand's biggest junior tournaments. Accommodation, transport, and tournament entry all taken care of.
Junior Academy Cup
Western United Cup
Auckland Champions Cup
