Youth Bridge Pathways – 2026 Australian Teams and Applications Now Open

Young Australian bridge players interested in representing Australia and the ABF at the World Youth Transnationals in Hefei China from August 2nd – 8th, 2026 are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the official selection framework and current application opportunities.

The Australian Bridge Federation Youth Team Ratification and Selection Policy sets out the eligibility requirements, selection principles, and ratification process for all Australian youth teams. This policy applies for divisions other than u26 and should be read before submitting an application:

https://www.abf.com.au/about-abf/abf-policies-and-handbooks/youth-team-ratification-and-selection-policy/

Age criteria

• Under 16 (players aged 15 or younger as at 31 December 2026)
• Under 21 (players aged 20 or younger as at 31 December 2026)
• Under 26 Women (players aged 25 or younger as at 31 December 2026)
• Under 31 (players aged 30 or younger as at 31 December 2026)

Full details of the 2026 Australian Youth Bridge Teams, including eligibility, timelines, and application links, are available via Aussie Youth Bridge: https://www.aussieyouthbridge.com/2026-australian-youth-bridge-teams

Application Deadlines

Under 26 Women: Saturday, 21 February 2026, 1:00 pm AEDT 

https://www.aussieyouthbridge.com/event-details/australian-under-26-womens-team-application-deadline

Under 21: Saturday, 14 March 2026, 1:00 pm AEDT

https://www.aussieyouthbridge.com/event-details/australian-under-21s-team-application-deadline

Under 16: Saturday, 21 March 2026, 1:00 pm AEDT

https://www.aussieyouthbridge.com/event-details/australian-under-16s-team-application-deadline

Under 31: Saturday, 21 March 2026, 1:00 pm AEDT

https://www.aussieyouthbridge.com/event-details/australian-under-31s-team-application-deadline

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Online Trials (if eight or more pairs enter a division or 2+ teams in the under 31s)

Under 26 Women: Saturday 28 February – Sunday 1 March 2026, 1:00–5:30 pm AEDT each day

Under 21: Saturday 21 March – Sunday 22 March 2026, 1:00–5:30 pm AEDT each day

Under 16: Saturday 28 March – Sunday 29 March 2026, 1:00–5:30 pm AEDT each day

Under 31: Saturday 28 March – Sunday 29 March 2026, 1:00–5:30 pm AEDT each day

Each division has its own application process. Players and parents are encouraged to check deadlines and conditions carefully.

Links:

Details and links

https://www.aussieyouthbridge.com/2026-australian-youth-bridge-teams

ABF Policy: https://www.abf.com.au/about-abf/abf-policies-and-handbooks/youth-team-ratification-and-selection-policy/

Australian Team Representative Youth Players Travelling representing Australia https://www.abf.com.au/about-abf/abf-policies-and-handbooks/australian-team-representative-youth-players/

For information about youth bridge in Australia check out the new Australian Youth website: https://www.aussieyouthbridge.com/

Posted in Latest News on February 19, 2026