Sun sets on successful Summer Football Season

Summer Football experienced yet another record-breaking year in 2017 with nearly 90 centres and approximately 40,000 players enjoying what was a memorable season for the code.

Renowned Summer Football centres APIA Leichhardt – 365 Summer Sixes, Kellyville Kolts, Southern Districts Soccer Football Association, Shoalhaven, Manly Football Association, and the combined centres of Football South Coast and Northern Suburbs Football Association again led the way achieving the highest participant numbers; however the 2016/17 season reflected a huge surge in new centres; over 20 in total, including the likes of Macarthur Football Association, Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Eastern Suburbs Football Association, Pennant Hills, Wellington and Waverley to name a few.

Another new centre, Menai Hawks, had a bumper inaugural season attracting over 600 players, male and female, junior and senior divisions as The Ridge Sporting Complex hosted these matches.

One key figure that pulled the strings at the Menai Hawks centre, administrator Enzo Sansone, was elated with the numbers as well as the high standard of football he witnessed week in week out.

"There was certainly a great atmosphere in the final series and throughout the summer football competition.

“I feel as though I saw the best kids compete in the sport.

“Special mention must go to Football NSW, Sutherland Shire Council, SSFA and SSRA for their continuous support.”

Another standout performer was Nepean Summer Football who achieved a remarkable growth in registrations (over 400%) to nearly 1,000 participants; a figure the Association is confident will only increase again next season.

Football NSW Member Services Manager Matt Rippon echoed his delight with the surge in numbers.

“The growth over the last few seasons has been phenomenal.

“Summer Football provides an ideal opportunity for our Associations and Clubs to engage with their players, maintain their facilities all year and continually promote and provide footballing opportunities for their stakeholders.”

As the community football season looks set to commence in early April, players return to their respective clubs with the traditional winter format taking its course.

With strong winter registration numbers recorded for the upcoming season and a 25% growth in summer football, yet again, statistics really show the desire for the beautiful game to be played and enjoyed all year round.