Named in honour of the former Gunnedah local, now Sydney Swans star Sam Naismith, the inaugural competition will kick off this week.

Naismith said it was a privilege to have the competition named after him.

“It’s great to see AFL really kicking off in North West New South Wales, and to see the sport growing - especially at a grass roots level throughout schools,” Naismith said.

“AFL was growing when I was back there but over the four to five years that I’ve been here in Sydney, it’s just blossomed even more and it’s just great to see everyone embracing it.”

Now measuring 206cm and playing in the ruck for the Sydney Swans, Naismith says he originally got into footy after a friend invited him to a training session. He went along for a kick and loved it.

“I was 16 and because there were no juniors there at the time, I went straight into the senior comp,” he said.

“Hopefully now with this new competition it promotes some more interest in the sport within the region, and more junior clubs can grow from that.”

The first round of the cup will be held on Wednesday, in Gunnedah, followed by the second round on Friday, in Inverell. The final between the top two teams from each division will be held on Friday, May 26 in Inverell.

The divisions participating in the competition include Open Boys (all ages), U15 Boys and Open Youth Girls.

Naismith’s Sydney Swans will be taking on Hawthorn at the SCG when the final of The Sam Naismith Cup is held, so he will be cheering on the teams from Sydney.

‘”I get back home about once or twice a year and I also head back with the club doing a few school clinics and appearances,” he said.

“It’s always good to get back to see the family and some familiar faces.”