FFA launches online football resource for schools

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Football Federation Australia have announced it has released a new interactive online football resource for primary school students.

Titled the ‘Schools Football Workbook’, the resource gives children and their teachers the opportunity to learn and become fans of the world game.

The online resource covers four separate areas:

Active: Focuses on physical literacy, with students also learning the value of good nutritional habits and eating practices.

Experience: Based off FFA’s MiniRoos program, students can complete footballs skills and challenges via video tutorials.

Transition: This section helps individuals identify pathways to access their local football club and link-up with member federations.

Fans: Students can participate in interactive projects with the aim of learning about the A-League, W-League, Socceroos and Matildas.

Speaking about the workbook, FFA CEO James Johnson claims he is pleased with what has been produced.

“This is an important piece of work to bring football to the classroom via an interactive, digital resource that will prove invaluable to primary schools as they work through the COVID-19 situation. It will enable boys and girls to remain connected with football, while staying active, healthy and happy,” Johnson said in a statement on Monday.

“We have taken a whole of game approach in the development of the workbook and I’d like to acknowledge the great contribution the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League clubs and the member federations make in the schools’ space, and the effort they’ve put into this project alongside FFA.

“This workbook will complement the work our stakeholders undertake with schools and will enhance football’s future delivery model.

“We may be moving to a relaxation of social isolation measures over the coming weeks, but we believe this workbook will be of great benefit to schools, teachers and students long after the coronavirus pandemic is over.”

Sport Australia General Deputy Manager of Participation James Ceely praised football’s governing body for the initative they have shown.

“It’s great to see Football Federation Australia embedding physical literacy into resources for schools,” he said.

“Through these fun and engaging football activities, children can develop the skills, behaviours and attitudes they need to be physically active for life.”

Schools and teachers can register and download the workbook here.

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Philip Panas is a sports journalist with Soccerscene. He reports widely on football policy and industry matters, drawing on his knowledge and passion of the game.

Female Football Week 2024 taking over in NSW

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Image credit: Football NSW official website

The nationwide sensation that is Female Football Week is bearing down upon Australians who are passionate and are involved within the globally appreciated sport of football.

Football Queensland had already discussed movements for the week, as Football NSW (FNSW) have followed on swiftly – sharing their activity throughout the week which begins on the May 3, running until the 12th.

Before delving into what will be on offer throughout the decorated occasion, it would be remiss to not discuss the powerhouse in which is the NSW, in regards to their footballing pedigree within the women’s game.

The A-League Women competition is globally received as one of the best female football leagues. On a domestic front, Sydney boast a diverse and talented pool of prolific female football players.

Decorated Matildas Kyah Simon and Alanna Kennedy are just some of the few in which where produced across NSW to feature for Australia as staples within our national setup.

In contrast to other Australian states, Sydney have quite the established female football plethora. The main purpose of Female Football Week for Sydney is not to necessarily build upon that by driving participation events.

From the 2023 national report, 85,710 females of all ages participated in football throughout the year – making up 48% of participants throughout 2023 within NSW.

They have four times the amount of participants boasted in Victoria, while tripling the female involvement within Queensland.

Female Football Week within Sydney will feature a festival of football at the height of events on offer with skill clinics undertaken with renowned female ambassadors.

Female football rounds alongside come and try sessions are also involved within the special week. Three workshops all featuring important and coveted female footballing brains will occur throughout the week.

The three events are all crafted to support the community of football throughout NSW. The first of three occur on the May 6, where a referee training session will be held at the Valentine Sports Park. The session will run for 90 minutes, encouraging referee involvement while potentially attracting potential participants.

A 2.5 hour coaching workshop is scheduled to run on May 8, advancing the knowledge of community coaches throughout the state while enabling coaches to network amongst each other.

Finally a Women in Sport Panel will conclude the event series. The 90-minute session is conducted to highlight the importance of women within sport primarily football.

Submission upon the FNSW website is encouraged for those who wish to participate and have involvement within the female football week.

You can find full information here.

The celebration of Female Football Week in Queensland in May

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Image via Football Queensland website

Football Queensland (FQ) are currently preparing for a fantastic week of football, showcasing and celebrating the continuous contribution made by female football participants, beginning on Friday May 3rd FQ have facilitated activities and events that will transpire across two weeks, culminating on Sunday the 12th.

Female Football Week (FFW) is an initiative undertaken by the nation, spotlighting the significance showcased through the brilliance of our female athletes within the football plethora. The recognition of participation, acknowledgement of excellence, appreciation of contribution, all aspects for which this important week will be represented for.

Since 2014, FFW has also aided the growth of female football on a nationwide scale, given that the events and activities on offer throughout are created to not only acknowledge current female football contributors, but also inspire a new generation of young females who wish to participate in the sport.

Female football within Australia at the moment is a prosperous commodity. PM Anthony Albanese had already pledged a healthy investment into women’s sport, primarily football. This is coming off the back of Australia’s 2023 Women’s World Cup involvement as host nation.

FQ have been busy in establishing female football as pivotal points of future strategic planning. In conjunction with FQ’s 2024-2026 referee strategy plan, FQ are looking to double the current amount of female referees.

General Manager of Strategic Game Development and Referees, Andy Allan said via press release:

“Football Queensland is committed to achieving 50/50 gender parity by 2027 across all participants, which underscores our dedication to inclusivity and equity in football,” he said.

“Female Football Week provides us with a wonderful opportunity to showcase all the pathways available for women and girls in our sport.”

FQ intends on having a busy FFW in 2024, 5 events have currently being listed upon their website, involving Interactive School participation sessions, The commencement of youth female football leagues across Metropolitan and bayside regions across Queensland, Q-League Schools Girls round in the southern Metropolitan region, and Football Carnivals taking place in the Wide Bay region.

Furthermore, coaching and referee courses are also on offer, including 20 female junior match official coaching courses are set to take place over the 9 days, as well as 8 coaching workshops and courses are also available, covering all aspects of the game and spanning across six regions.

Queensland have already declared their provisions, we now await what is going to be on offer from the other states across the country.

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