Fairley excited about 2021 Grassroots Football Season at Blacktown

Blacktown District Soccer Football Association General Manager Adam Fairley is eagerly anticipating the commencement of the 2021 Grassroots season as he not only hopes to see familiar faces register once more, but also new ones wishing to play ‘The World Game’.

“In 2021 we are hoping to retain a high percentage of players from last season, welcome back those that chose not to play in 2020 due to COVID-19 and attract as many of new players as possible to play the game of football”, Fairley stated to Football NSW.

“To kick-off the season we have an Advanced Coaching Academy for all young players, and this is specifically designed for those who aspire to either better their personal game, climb the BDSFA player pathway or even those who just enjoy learning new skills. (For more information click here)

“Not only do the players need coaching, but in Blacktown we understand the importance of coaching our coaches so that they can deliver fun, meaningful and technical tuition for their players. “Community Courses are delivered locally by expert Presenters who have a passion to educate our Coaches to make better Footballers.

“We have Skill Training Certificate and Game Training Certificate Courses available in February and March.” (For more information click here).

With so many exciting initiatives taking shape yet again at the Association, Fairley indicated the best was yet to come as 2021 heralded more goals and objectives to showcase the importance of keeping each and every participant as happy as possible.

“The BDSFA is always looking for new ways to promote our Clubs, Players, Coaches and Competitions.

“In 2020 we introduced the Blacktown Football Hour, a weekly football show which focused on football in the Blacktown District.

“Segments included the Club In Focus, Premier League Wrap, Spartans FC Wrap and BDSFA Updates. It highlighted the history, the stories, the careers of players and coaches and the trials and tribulations of a football season. The show averaged between 1,000 and 2,000 downloads as a podcast every week. We have commenced the show for 2021 and we are really happy with the quality of interviews in the first episode (click here to listen to the opening episode).

“A major focus is always on our MiniRoos and last year we launched a MiniRoos Moments segment on Facebook.

“The two-fold segment will continue in 2021 and we hope to make it bigger and better.

“One segment focuses on the games that are played at a selected field, while the other involves interview with the teams that played.

“Both segments proved to be a great success within an excess of 3,000 hits between them a week.

“Our Goal of the Week segment proved popular, even though we had limited crowds during COVID-19, there were some cracking goals captured and there was a loyal audience waiting to see who was judged the winner on a weekly basis.

“During the season we had multiple entries for goals scored by one of our Under 7 players who played in an all-girls teams. It was only fitting that we would showcase a reel of her obvious ability (click here to view).

“This season we have been added to our suite of visual promotions as we will be live streaming the Premier League ‘Match of the Round’ every Saturday afternoon from 4pm. Each of our 18 Premier League Clubs will have the opportunity to host one match at their home ground. We look forward to bringing our Competition into the homes of our supporters and providing the opportunity for Clubs and Players to showcase their venues and their skills.”

Once again, the push for more referees and volunteers was high on the Association’s agenda, hoping to see more involved in 2021.

“The Blacktown City Soccer Referees Branch is always on the lookout for new Members.

“We achieved amazing coverage last year with a centre referee being in control of 98% of matches,

“Level 4 Entry Courses will be conducted throughout the months of March and April (Click here for more info).

“There are some excellent pathways available for referees and we encourage our Master Players to become involved if they have spare time on the weekends as they are the members that have the greatest experience in our game.

“Clubs are always after volunteers and players and parents are encouraged to become involved in your local Club. To volunteer your time in the canteen or on the BBQ and if NSW Health restrictions allow to frequent your home ground and support your Clubs teams.”

Glittered with an amazing and varied mix of cultures within the Blacktown community, the 46-year-old understands the important role Football can play in connecting everyone.

“Blacktown is a diverse city, and we welcome players from any race, colour or gender to play the beautiful game of football.

“We have 24 wonderful Clubs that can place you in a team from Under 5s to Over 35s.

“Our Clubs strive to provide the best football education and playing experience for their members in a family friendly and inclusive environment.

“Parents, Grandparents, other Family and Friends can at this stage attend matches this season, it is a great family outing to play football and meet new friends both on and off the park.

“We encourage girls and women to play in our Phoenix League Competition and look to grow the quantity and quality of our players.

“Blacktown can also provide a pathway for player development with Skills Acquisition Programs from the age of 9 through 12 and Youth Programs from 13 to 16 for both Spartans FC and the BDSFA. Spartans FC also provide a youth program for 18-year-olds.

“Spartans FC have a Girls Skills Acquisition Program from the age of 10 through 13 and Girls Youth Programs from 14 to 17.

“At senior level, Spartans FC are represented by Women in the National Premier League’s top tier Competition and by Men in the National Premier League’s 2 Competition.

“Our aim is to develop our own talent from the grassroots level and to provide them with the best opportunity for our local talent to fulfill their football dream within our own pathways.”

It was at the tender age of 5 the ambitious Football administrator first fell in love with the game.

From there, Fairley played representative football as well as officiated, such was his passion for the sport.

It was only fitting that he’d return to Football after he was announced as the General Manager at Blacktown twelve months ago and he hasn’t looked back since.

“I enjoy Association Grassroots Football, be it MiniRoos, Youth, Women’s, Men’s, Masters or Premier League and it is pleasing to see the progression of our players and the dedication of our coaching staff in our representative pathways.”

To find your nearest club in the Blacktown District Soccer Football Association area check out the graphic below and register today via the Play Football website on www.playfooball.com.au