FFA Launches Whole of Football Schools Strategy

Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chief Executive Officer David Gallop today launched the FFA Whole of Football Schools Strategy at Clovelly Public School in NSW.

The FFA Whole of Football Schools Strategy is another key initiative borne out of the National Football Curriculum and outlines the key priorities to encourage greater physical activity, convert participants to fans and influence education outcomes.

Speaking at the launch, Gallop emphasised the important role that schools play in the development of football in Australia.

“Schools are the cradle of education in our society and increasingly football is a core part of the sporting curriculum. The most recent annual participation census reveals that over 400,000 students are engaged in school football programs and competitions across the country. Football is a universal language in schools, helping to build lifelong friendships and uniting communities in our diverse nation.

“We recognise that schools are the primary platform for future growth of the game. Football is in a unique position to connect with school communities and inspire learning outcomes among Australian students. It is a sport that can be played by everyone, and FFA is committed to promoting football as a vehicle to active and healthy living. 

“The game is getting bigger and the next four years provide a tremendous launching pad to further grow the fan base. To develop lifelong fans of our game we must acquire and retain participants in primary schools, build awareness and affiliation to the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League and invest in quality fan experiences.

“Football will become an integral part of the school system, through integration with the school curriculum. This is a core component of the games strategy to becoming the largest and most popular sport.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the game’s key stakeholders – State and Territory Member Federations, and Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League clubs, for their commitment and contribution to the strategy.

“We are a game united by a shared objective to become the biggest and most popular sport in Australia and we are proud to play such an important role within Australian schools,” concluded Gallop.

The strategies and initiatives outlined within the FFA Whole of Football Schools Strategy aim to influence and inspire 1.8 million teachers and students over the next four years.

The mission of the FFA Whole of Football Schools Strategy is to harness the power of football to connect with school communities, inspire educational outcomes & convert participants to fans of the game.

The key outcomes are:

For Participants

1. Quality experiences with football in schools for boys & girls

2. Access to playing opportunities beyond the schoolyard

3. Raising standards of school facilities

For Fans

1. Building awareness and affiliation with our domestic leagues & teams

2. Club brand integration via multiple platforms

3. Being part of the match day experience

Education

1. Addressing social issues through a wide variety of cross-curricula resources

2. Empowering & resourcing teachers

3. Educating youth through football

The main beneficiaries of the FFA Whole of Football Schools Strategy will be current and future school students and teachers.

The implementation of the FFA Whole of Football School Strategy in schools will be led by FFA and developed by member federations and the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League clubs.

To download the FFA Whole of Football Schools Strategy please visit www.footballaustralia.com.au