In a show of solidarity from the community during these unprecedented times, Football NSW has announced the news that a number of clubs across the state have offered their facilities up as mass and pop-up vaccination hubs to assist with the current situation.
With 31 associations, over 700 clubs and well over 250,000 registered participants, the resources are available to reach entire communities through sheer size, reach and networks within the community.
In addition, many of the officials and volunteers at association and club level are leaders in key community organisations including business, commerce, religious and community services.
With the current crisis forcing an extended lockdown since the end of June, Football NSW received a massive amount of support from its members to approach Health Services and offer its assistance in key tasks.
This included making several facilities available for mass and pop-up vaccination hubs which could include Football NSW headquarters, Valentine Sports Park.
The Mounties Group have also confirmed its offer for various facilities and venues to assist with this fight against Covid-19.
In addition, Football NSW is set to roll out a campaign by various football representatives urging the community to vaccinate via a special video message.
Featured in the video are former NSW Premier and now Football NSW director Morris Iemma, Mayor of Bankstown City Khal Asfour, former Socceroos coach Les Scheinflug, football presenter Mariana Rudan, Football NSW director Stephanie Brantz and prominent NSW born footballers and coaches Peter Tsekenis, Jean Paul de Marigny and Alen Stajcic to name a few.
Football NSW has an enormous and culturally diverse playing and volunteer base. Media reports and commentary suggest that language, culture, and misinformation have been significant challenges in dealing with the current crisis and increasing the take up of vaccines.
The vast player and volunteer base of football in CALD communities puts football in a unique position to disseminate accurate and timely information on the need to vaccinate.
With the support and help of everyone in the NSW football family, it’s a step in the right direction to halt Covid-19, whilst providing a pathway towards getting back to doing the things we love, such as playing the world game.
The video featuring the Football NSW family can be viewed here.