
Football South Australia has established a significant development partnership with educational institutions, implementing comprehensive football programs across the state.
The two-year initiative, characterised by consultation between Football SA personnel and educational football coordinators, has delivered substantial outcomes in both sport and educational aspects.
The collaboration has instituted several professional development pathways, including accredited community coaching certification and formal referee education programs for students.
Educational staff have received specialised professional development through structured training days and a specifically designed Foundation of Football Course.
Strategic innovations within the framework include the implementation of Student-Led Football Festivals and the integration of Teqball, an advanced football-based training methodology utilising specialised curved table equipment.
The establishment of the Development Centre at Trinity College, Gawler, represents a significant expansion of the program’s geographical reach, while Rostrevor College has functioned as a demonstration facility for inter-institutional professional development.
Roma Mitchell Secondary College staff member Theo Tsiounis provided his personal assessment on the initiative.
“Collaborating as a network of schools with Football South Australia has been an excellent opportunity to enhance our support for players, helping them progress in their sporting journeys and personal development,” Tsiounis explained via Football SA press release.
Football South Australia Participation Officer Owen Gallas emphasised the program’s momentum.
“With 50 teachers already signed up with the school ambassador program, there is no better time to take part in creating a strong network of like-minded teachers who are actively looking to promote sport within their community and, more specifically, football,” Gallas explained via Football SA press release.
The 2025 strategic plan encompasses further expansion of the organisation’s educational reach. The existing Football in Schools Program, which currently facilitates engagement with approximately 2,000 students per annum, will be augmented through integration with Football Australia’s Sporting Schools Program.
The introduction of the School Ambassador Program represents a strategic initiative to establish sustained one year-round connection between educational institutions and football development. The school ambassadors will handle all football related activities, conversations and news for schools.
Football South Australia continues to seek expansion of institutional participation and welcomes enquiries regarding engagement with any aspect of these initiatives.
The collaboration between football programs and educational institutions has always been an important part of success for the sport within Australia.
Football and sport in a larger sense have been a great avenue to implement educational practices onto young players and similarly educational institutions are perfect places to grow and develop the sport.
This ongoing program is an exciting prospect for the sport and the state, one which will continue to grow more opportunities and development.