Be Inspired, Play Football
Play Football is the message from the stars of Australian football as the country is about to embark on the most exciting twelve months in the history of the world game down under, with Australia’s senior men’s and women’s national football teams to compete in their respective FIFA World Cups.
The Socceroos will embark on their fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup (sixth overall) when they take to the field in Qatar during November, while the eyes of a nation will be on the Matildas next July and August as Australia co-hosts the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
Football is already the most diverse and inclusive sport in Australia, with programs and competitions catering for everyone irrespective of ability, age, gender, race, and religion.
It’s also the number one team participation sport across in Australia, with over one and a half million people enjoying the many benefits that football can deliver including camaraderie, community, friendship, and teamwork, not to mention improved physical and mental health.
With Australians set to be inspired by the feats of the world’s greatest footballers, Football Australia has launched its 2022/23 Play Football campaign, which will help connect people – young and old – with their local football team and an array of football programs and competitions.
Upon launching this Play Football campaign, Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge said: “With all the excitement there is with our Socceroos competing at this year’s FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar to our Matildas preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, now’s a better time than ever in launching the Play Football campaign.
“Whether it’s a player, coach, referee, or volunteer, football is for everyone as we look forward to seeing many more participants join our beautiful game.”
Fronting Football Australia’s Play Football campaign are current Matildas’ Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter plus Socceroos’ Awer Mabil and Andrew Redmayne, where each has experienced their own unique journey from grassroots football to the biggest stage in world football.
In this campaign, Matildas’ captain and global superstar, Sam Kerr explains why Australians should Play Football: “There’s nothing quite like the fun and freedom of playing football in a team with all your friends. It’s such a special feeling, no matter where I’m playing around the world, the buzz I experience playing football with my teammates is always the same. Football has provided me with some of my best memories and friends, I would encourage everyone to find a club and experience this for themselves”
Ellie Carpenter, who debut for the Australian women’s national football team at just 15 years of age and now forging a hugely successful playing career in Europe, explains: “Football has provided me with so many amazing opportunities, and all of that started with the first time I kicked a ball at my local club as a kid. I still have as much fun now as I did back then, and the joy I get from playing with my teammates is the same every time I run out onto the field. I want as many people as possible to experience the magic of football, so get out there and sign up at your local club and be a part of the fun!”
The Socceroos 26-strong squad for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ is the most diverse ever selected, reflecting Australia’s multicultural makeup. For the first time ever, four footballers of African heritage will feature in the same Socceroos’ squad including fan favourites, Awer Mabil and Garang Kuol.
“I have been lucky that football has taken me to many parts of the world and provided me with so many opportunities. Most of all though, it has given me enjoyment. Nothing makes me as happy as playing football with my teammates. Football is a game for anyone, at any time in their life, so get out there and sign up to your local club, you will never look back!,” Mabil said.
Following his heroics for the Socceroos’ during the team’s penalty shootout against Peru at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualifying play-off, Andrew Redmayne has inspired a new generation of goalkeepers and showed the world that football is about having fun and enjoying yourself, regardless of the situation: “I tried almost every sport when I was a kid, but none gave me as much enjoyment and hooked me in like football. It’s a sport for everyone and anyone, which is what makes it so special. The rush I get from making a save today is still the same as when I first started out as a goalkeeper and my love for the sport is still as strong as when I was a kid. Everyone should experience the fun of playing football, no matter your age or ability, there is no better way to experience team sport.
Football Australia’s Play Football marketing campaign features a 30-second television commercial, digital and social media content, out of home creative and other assets which will support the promotion of why even more Australians should Play Football in 2023 and beyond.
Find your place, join our team at playfootballnsw.com.au
