Player registrations on the rise in 2023
Football teams are filling up fast across Sydney with Football NSW experiencing its strongest start to its annual registration campaign in 2023.
Heading into the third week of February, 119 244 players had registered for the new season, representing a 16% year-to-date increase on 2022 numbers.
The record start to the year comes off the back of a successful Socceroos campaign in Qatar, while excitement continues to build ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas was delighted with registrations thus far and urged the community not to miss out on a huge year of football.
“Football plays such an important role in our communities, providing significant physical and mental health benefits, while promoting social cohesion and inclusion,” said Mr Tsatsimas.
“The 2023 numbers are looking positive and with the co-hosted FIFA Women’s World Cup ahead of us, backed by the $10 million NSW Football Legacy Program, we are primed for significant growth over the coming years.”
“There has never been a better time to join the football family.”
Leading the growth across Sydney are the Associations based in Western Sydney, collectively up over 30% on year-to-date numbers. Southern Districts Football Association (SDFA) incorporates some of the largest growth areas for families across Sydney and their 2023 numbers are providing a strong illustration of the strength of football in the local community.
SDFA General Manager, Phil Sampson, was excited about the growth his Association is starting to experience.
“After multiple years of setbacks and challenges, it’s fantastic to see kids and their families signing up for community football,” said Mr Sampson.
“While it’s still early days, the numbers thus far provide our clubs a significant base to build off and we look forward to working with them to help ensure our region can be a leading growth area for football nationwide.”
“After multiple years of setbacks and challenges, it’s fantastic to see kids and their families signing up for community football,” said Mr Sampson.
“While it’s still early days, the numbers thus far provide our clubs a significant base to build off and we look forward to working with them to help ensure our region can be a leading growth area for football nationwide.”
Individuals can register to play, coach, referee or volunteer via Play Football.
For females looking for opportunities in the game, there are various scholarships available, with more information provided within the NSW Football Legacy Program page.
