Canterbury District Soccer Football Association shares game plan for 2018
2017 saw football in the CDSFA continue its 5th year of consecutive growth, with 2018 predicted to see a sixth consecutive year of increased registrations according to an independent survey undertaken by the Association.
The CDSFA has consolidated its position as the 4th largest football association in NSW. 2018 will see the addition of three new clubs introduced to the Association to continue to cater for the increase in playing numbers. They are Punchbowl United Football Club, Sydney Rangers and West Sydney Flamingos.
2017 saw a further increase in female participation with 23% of the total registrations comprising girls and women players. The Association is seeking to increase that number to 30% in the next few years. Support for the female side of the game is increasing with the W-League well established and the exceptional performances of the national women’s team known as the Matildas.
Aldi MiniRoo programs are operation in all clubs and this modified version of the sport specifically designed for children in the 5 to 11 year age groups remains very popular with both players and parents. In 2018 the Association will be distributing nine thousand footballs to ensure all MiniRoo players have their football for training. It represents an invest of $100,000 by the Association to support clubs and MiniRoo players.
Parents will also be able to benefit from the NSW Active Kids program, which will allow parents to receive a reduction in player registrations. This is funded by the NSW Government and reduces registration fees by $100, making football a value for money proposition for all players who are school age.
Current Socceroo Tim Cahill and recently retired Matilda Danielle Brogan and Socceroo Brett Holman play their junior football in the Canterbury Association.
The Association will be maintaining its two flagship competitions in 2018, the Bill Brackenbury Cup for men and the Grace Martin Trophy for Women.
The Inter Lions Club has been the dominate team having won the Bill Brackenbury Cup for four consecutive seasons, however the Balmain and Strathfield Clubs believe they have strengthen their squads to make a successful challenge for the title. Leichhardt Saints have been the dominant senior female club in the Grace Martin Trophy.
2018 will see the $2 million renovation of Centenary Park, home of Burwood FC commence operation as well as the new synthetic field at Strathfield Park, home of the Strathfield Strikers club which will be celebrating its 50th year.
Abbotsford Club will also see the opening of its new $2 million facility at Campbell Park as well as the newly built fields at Lysaght Park.
Modern and contemporary new facilities are also planned for Waterfront Drive, the home of Balmain Football Club.
Russell Lea Women’s Soccer Club, based at Queen Elizabeth Park, at Concord holds the distinction of being the female team only club in the Association, while most other clubs cater for both male and female players, junior senior and mature age.
-By Matt Galea
