HMRI is delighted to partner with Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) for the 2025 HMRI Charity Shield.

The HMRI Charity Shield will kick off the 2025 NNSW premier competition season at Jack McLaughan Oval on Friday 7 February, with all gate proceeds going to Hunter Medical Research Institute.

The doubleheader will see National Premier League (NPL)Women’s NNSW champions Charlestown Azzurri go head-to-head with Women’s State Cup winners Newcastle Olympic.

Reigning NPL Men’s NNSW premiers and champions Broadmeadow Magic will then take on Men’s State Cup winners Lambton Jaffas.

HMRI is the only regional medical research institute in Australia and its researchers’ ground-breaking work has changed the lives of countless people over the last 25 years. They will remain as the official naming rights partner to the Charity Shield as a part of their three-year partnership.

NNSWF General Manager Football Operations Liam Bentley said that he looked forward to another successful HMRI Charity Shield event.

“The HMRI Charity Shield is a great way to celebrate the start of the season and use football as a vehicle to bring the community together to give back,” Bentley said.

“I am proud to continue this partnership between us and HMRI, as they are an important contributor to our local region.

“I encourage our football family to come out to watch four of our best NPL NNSW teams kick off the 2025 season with the knowledge that all gate proceeds will go back to the HMRI team to help them continue to deliver groundbreaking medical research for our communities.”

HMRI CEO Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin is looking forward to continuing the partnership with NNSWF.

“We’re so excited to team up with Northern NSW Football again for the 2025 HMRI Charity Shield. This is our second year working together and it’s amazing to see how sport and research can positively transform the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Kay-Lambkin.

2025 HMRI Charity Shield Day Information:

WHEN: Friday 7 February
WHERE: Jack McLaughlan Oval, Edgeworth 
KICK-OFF TIMES: NPL Women’s NNSW 6.15pm, NPL Men’s NNSW 8.15pm (Champions will be decided by penalty kicks in the event of a draw.)
GATES OPEN: 5.15pm
PARKING: Supporters are advised to arrive early and leave plenty of time to enter the venue due to limited parking and with a large crowd expected.   
TICKETS: $5 adults and concession, FREE 16-years and under.  Tickets will be available at the gate only with contactless payment preferred. Limited change will be available, with correct cash appreciated. All proceeds from gate entry will go to HMRI.  
Additional Information: Animals and pets (other than assistance dogs) are not permitted to enter the venue.