Football Australia’s Play Football campaign to inspire next generation

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Play Football
Image via Football Australia

With Australian football heading into the most significant 12 months in its history, the country’s Socceroos and Matildas stars have united to help deliver Football Australia’s Play Football campaign, in an effort to nurture future national team players.

The Subway Socceroos are set to embark on their fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup (sixth overall) when they take to the field in Qatar during November, and the CommBank Matildas are perched to take the country by storm 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 Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson said in a statement:

“Already acclaimed as the largest team-based participation sport in Australia, this particular Play Football campaign presents a unique opportunity to further ignite interest in football participation in Australia, as the Subway Socceroos embark on their quest at the FIFA Men’s World Cup Qatar 2022TM and the CommBank Matildas prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 on home soil.”

“Whether it’s as a player, coach, referee, or volunteer, football truly is a sport for all, and we look forward to seeing even more football fields and futsal courts across Australia full of people having fun and enjoying all the benefits of our great game.”

Fronting Football Australia’s Play Football campaign are current CommBank Matildas’ Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter plus Subway 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, CommBank Matildas’ captain Sam Kerr explained via press release 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.”

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 added via press release.

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.

Join the team at www.playfootball.com.au

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Fremantle City Launches 2026 NPL Season with Focus on Youth and Community

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Image Credit: Football West

Fremantle City FC has officially launched its 2026 New Balance NPL WA Men’s and Women’s seasons, championing a community-first approach that puts young players at the heart of the club’s future.In a vibrant ceremony at Hilton Park, club juniors presented first-team shirts to senior Men’s and Women’s squads, symbolising a critical pathway from grassroots to elite football within the Fremantle family.

“This is very important for us- our juniors presenting shirts to our NPL Women’s and Men’s teams,” said Club President Tony Estrano. “2026 is the ninth year of our academy, running from under-nines up to under-16s, for both boys and girls. Today’s shirt handover by our Under 13s Academy and JDL teams shows these kids there is a real pathway to the first team.”

Head coach Samantha Geddes has reaffirmed the sentiment, emphasising Freo’s commitment to club unity: “Getting the whole club involved like this is brilliant. It’s great for our young girls to see that connection to the senior team and for senior players to inspire and support the next generation.”

Momentum and Ambition for 2026

Fremantle’s Women’s side enters 2026 riding high after a historic State Cup triumph last season, with captain Annabelle Leek setting her sights even higher: “Winning the State Cup was massive. We’re ready to build on that momentum, with new signings and a renewed focus on finishing in the top four.”

On the men’s side, after avoiding relegation last year and freshening up the roster with key signings, captain Cam Edwards is confident: “We’re ambitious, and with this group, we know we can put on a good show.”

Fremantle City has committed itself to turning club culture and youth pathways into on-field results, inspiring the next generation to wear the crest at every level.

Level the Playing Field: Football Unites at Parliament House to Back Grassroots Growth

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 Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography 

Victorian football’s most influential voices gathered at Parliament House last Wednesday to officially launch the Level the Playing Field campaign. The initiative is a united call to strengthen grassroots infrastructure and ensure every child has access to safe, modern facilities.

Hosted by Football Victoria alongside members of the Parliamentary Friends of Football, the event brought together MPs from across the political spectrum, A-League representatives, community clubs and emerging players, reinforcing one clear message: when football thrives, Victoria thrives.

Football Victoria Chair Dr Angela Williams delivered a powerful address, drawing on her professional experience to underscore sport’s social impact.

“You belong when you play football,” she said. “It is the same healthy place to play — regardless of race, religion or background. Young people in sport are healthier and safer. That’s what this is about.”

The campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the game. Participation across Victoria has surged to more than 127,000 registered players, with female participation experiencing significant growth in recent years. A legacy of the recent success of the Australian women’s national team.

Yet, as speakers emphasised, infrastructure has not kept pace.

Former Socceroo and community advocate Carl Valeri reflected on the contrast between elite and grassroots environments, highlighting the importance of stronger community facilities.

“When you walk into a community facility, there’s the same love and passion,” Valeri said. “But the infrastructure doesn’t always match. That infrastructure can turn away the kids who decide to play later, or those who might be facing challenges at home. For me, community football is important because we have to keep kids involved in the game.”

 Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography 

Current and emerging players echoed the sentiment. Young footballer Kara Crnac highlighted how quality facilities build confidence and create opportunity, while coach and talent pathway representative Maddison Kamolins stressed the importance of safe, inclusive environments.

Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography

Government representatives acknowledged more than $100 million in recent football facility investment, including the state’s landmark commitment to Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University, while recognising further support is required at the grassroots level.

Football Victoria CEO Dan Birrell described the campaign as both collaborative and forward-looking.

“We’re going to be visible; we’re going to be active and we’re going to be strong advocates for our clubs,” he said. “Every elite career begins at a community ground. If we want stronger communities and stronger representation on the world stage, we must invest where it all begins.”

With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon and continued momentum across domestic competitions, the message from Parliament was clear: the next generation of Matildas and Socceroos is already here.

Now, it’s time to level the playing field, sign the petition here.

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