Football NSW registrations at record levels
Demand for football is bursting at the seams with Football NSW experiencing a record level of player registrations ahead of the 2024 season.
As of the end of February, Football NSW has over 25,000 more player registrations than the same point in 2023, with year-on-year growth sitting over 15%. Unsurprisingly, female player registrations lead the way with a year-on-year increase of 23% overall, while sitting as high as 27% for 5-12 year old players and 25% for women over 18.
The increased demand comes off the back of a 34% total increase in 2023/24 Summer Football numbers, with the momentum from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ showing no signs of slowing.
Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas spoke about his excitement for the season ahead.
“We’re on track to break records across the board this season and are thrilled to see female participants at the forefront of this growth,” he said.
“Our Club volunteers and local Associations do an incredible job within their respective communities to deliver a positive football experience and welcome new members to the football family.”
With the community winter season getting started in April, registrations continue to roll in with the likes of the Nepean Football Association, Football South Coast and Sutherland Shire Football Association already surpassing their 2023 player numbers.
“With such significant demand to play football, the practical implication is that we are now exceeding facility supply in many areas across NSW,” he continued.
“It is vitally important that funding at all levels of government is directed towards improving existing venues and developing new fields so that everyone has the opportunity to play our game.”
Football South Coast CEO, Ann-Marie Balliana, was delighted to see so many more members of the football family while stressing the importance of supporting this growth.
“It’s great to see the continued growth of football in our region,” Balliana said.
“The Women’s World Cup, many local initiatives and the work of our clubs has contributed to these increased registration numbers across all of our competitions and programs.”
The Association has been a significant benefactor of the NSW Football Legacy Program, with the South Coast football community securing over $550,000 in Legacy Fund infrastructure grants.
“Our local clubs were very successful with Legacy Fund grants for much needed upgrades to facilities, however, with continued growth in numbers comes additional infrastructure needs, and we certainly hope that the increased participation in football is reflected in further funding and grant opportunities.”
Football NSW is encouraging anyone considering playing football in 2024 to register sooner than later to avoid missing out.
