BDAFA emphasises youth and community through football initiatives

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Image credit: Football NSW

As the 2026 grassroots season begins, Bankstown District Amateur Football Association (BDAFA) commenced a series of initiatives to underline the importance of community, youth participation and inclusivity.

Accessible, affordable, enjoyable

The work of BDAFA highlights the core values which uphold grassroots football in Australia.

Bringing the community together, creating inclusive environments, and keeping the game affordable are all at the forefront of recent initiatives.

As a result, the 2026 season promises to be a huge success for all involved – from players to volunteers.

“At the heart of everything BDAFA does is our community,” said General Manager, Leanne Millar, via press release.

“This season, we’re proud to be keeping football affordable for our children and creating competitions where everyone feels welcome to be part of the game.”

The vision to ensure football remains accessible – whether socially or financially – is behind BDAFA’s work. Providing free footballs for kindergarten students, and capping registration fees for 6 and 7-year-olds at $50 highlight the organisation’s commitment to the grassroots landscape in the region.

 

Creating a home for all

Moreover, supporting drives to increase participation in the local community – from young people to Over-35s, is the recently established Bankstown “Home of Football.”

But while a multi-purpose facility and synthetic pitch are welcome additions to the local infrastructure, their value goes far deeper.

The “Home of Football” is not just a venue for the game itself, but a place where all can come together through a shared love of football.

“The development of Bankstown’s Home of Football is one of the most significant milestones in the association’s history,” continued Millar.

“The synthetic pitch has been in use for the past three years, and now, with the completion of the building, we have a truly multi-purpose venue that will serve not only our football community but the wider community as well.”

Grassroots is the foundation of the game we love.

Thankfully, BDAFA is making sure it has a sustainable and successful future ahead.

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WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

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Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Former Socceroos captain set to headline coaching conference

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Mark Mulligan. Credit A League

Mark Milligan – former Socceroos captain and Newcastle Jets Premiership-winning manager – is set to be the guest of honour at the 2026 Football NSW Coaching Conference, held at Valentine Sports Park from November 21st–22nd.

The annual conference represents Australia’s largest gathering of football coaches, and is set to include expert insight into coaching, practical sessions and development plans for attendees. Milligan will partake in a Q&A session with MC Stephanie Brantz on November 21, adding significant gravitas to the conference.

Chris Gallo, Football NSW Coach Education Manager spoke highly of Milligan via Football NSW.

‘Opportunities to hear from people who have experienced the game at the highest level are incredibly valuable for our coaches. Mark brings a unique perspective on leadership, performance and the demands of elite football, and we want our coaches to be able to take those insights back into their own environments,’ he said.

Milligan traversed the globe across a near-twenty year professional career that started in the old National Soccer League, concluded in the A-League, and took in time across Europe, the UK and Asia.

He represented the Socceroos with distinction across 80 appearances, selected by four seperate managers in World Cup squads, and was captain of the Olympic team in 2008. His nascent managerial career has already seen two trophies at Newcastle, where he is presently leading them in the Asian Champions League.

But it all began on the local pitches of Bankstown. Milligan is an authentic, home-grown product of Football NSW, and emblamatic of the rewards that can be reaped from investing in the beginning of a player’s journey.

With the conference already selling out, attendees can now expect to learn plemty from one of Australia’s most exciting, up-and-coming coaches.

The opportunity Football NSW are providing showcases their commitment in helping coaches develop, and their continued pledge of giving back to the game at its foundation.

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