The Sydney FC Foundation Gala Dinner 2026 has raised $500,000 providing a major boost to its community programs creating life-changing opportunities through football across the Sky Blue community.
More than 200 guests came together at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night for the Sydney FC Foundation’s sixth annual Gala Dinner, which also celebrated ten years of the Sydney FC Foundation and its impact across the community.
It means the Sydney FC Foundation has now raised over $1 million from it’s 2025 and 2026 Gala Dinners, having raised a similar amount in last year’s event.
The evening generated support from Sydney FC club partners Macquarie University, Under Armour, Prezzee, Carbiz, Nexen Tyres and South Ave, alongside the Sydney FC business, sporting and philanthropic communities.
Funds raised will help the Sydney FC Foundation continue and expand programs including Sydney FC Empowers Me!, providing inclusive football opportunities for children with disabilities; the Sydney FC Powerchair Teams, giving power wheelchair athletes the opportunity to train, compete and belong; and Sky’s Her Limit, supporting and empowering young women and girls through mentorship and leadership development.
The Sydney FC Foundation Gala Dinner 2026 welcomed a high-profile guest list including chef Adam Liaw, actor Daniel MacPherson, and former Wallabies Adam Ashley-Cooper and Drew Mitchell.
Sydney FC A-Leagues players Marcel Tisserand, Bianca Gittany and Indiana Dos Santos were also among those in attendance.
Sydney FC Foundation Chair Jenny Abood said the generosity shown on the night would have a tangible impact on the Foundation’s ability to deliver its programs.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the Foundation and contributed to another wonderful Gala Dinner.
“Our programs have engaged more than 14,000 participants experiencing disability and disadvantage, and the impact goes far beyond simply providing an opportunity to play football.
“More than 65 per cent of participants tell us they are more likely to continue playing sport as a result of their involvement, while 88 per cent of participants in our Empowers Me! program have reported improved confidence.
“The funds raised tonight will allow us to continue reaching more people, creating opportunities and using football as a vehicle to make a genuine difference in our community.”
Sydney FC players regularly participate in Foundation programs, providing participants with the opportunity to engage with their sporting heroes and experience first-hand the sense of connection and belonging football can provide.
Sydney FC Owner, Director and Sydney FC Foundation Deputy Chair Alina Barlow said the players’ involvement was an important part of the Foundation’s impact.
“Sydney FC players have an incredible ability to inspire people, particularly young people and children of all abilities.
“Through the Sydney FC Foundation we can create opportunities for those young people to meet their heroes, participate in our programs and experience the confidence, connection and enjoyment that football can bring.
“It is wonderful to see Sydney’s business and philanthropic communities come together and support that work so generously.”
The Sydney FC Foundation Gala Dinner 2026 Committee was instrumental in the evening’s success, co-chaired by Alina Barlow and Rossana Bellina Voss, whose work and commitment helped bring together supporters from across Sydney for the Foundation’s major annual fundraising event.
Sydney FC Foundation thanks every donor, partner, table host, auction contributor and guest whose generosity contributed to the success of the evening.
Supporters who weren’t able to attend the annual dinner can still contribute, by donating here: Sydney FC Foundation Donations
To learn more about the Sydney FC Foundation and its mission, click here: Sydney FC Foundation
