NSW Sporting Schools Program Driving Record Football Growth

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Image credit: Master1305 / Shutterstock.com

Football NSW has completed a landmark year through the Australian Sports Commission’s Sporting Schools Program, marking a significant moment in football growth. The result reinforces football as the leading sport delivered in schools across New South Wales.

The Sporting Schools Program is a government-funded initiative that boosts children’s participation in sport and links schools to local community sporting organisations, fostering football’s growth. Delivered nationally across more than 40 sports, the program provides schools with grants, equipment and professional support. These resources help schools deliver high-quality and engaging sporting experiences.

Throughout the year, Football NSW delivered 230 programs across NSW schools, this total included 180 coach-led programs and 50 teacher-led programs. Together, they accounted for 3,186 hours and 133 days of football activity. Participation levels, showcasing football growth, remained strong, with 24,687 students engaging in sessions statewide.

Growth, Workforce and National Recognition

Workforce development remained central to the program’s success. Football NSW onboarded 50 new coaches during the year, which has been a key factor in the football growth strategy. It also delivered five coaching courses to strengthen technical knowledge, safety practices and session delivery. All education aligned with Football Australia and Football NSW standards.

Local football associations played a crucial role in delivery. Associations supported the program by deploying their own accredited coaches into schools. This collaboration strengthened pathways between schools and community football environments, boosting football growth in these areas.

Football’s impact also reached a national milestone, in Term 2, 2025, football ranked as the number one Sporting Schools provider in Australia, highlighting football growth nationwide. This recognition highlighted the program’s scale, quality and reach.

Sporting Schools football sessions focus on fun, inclusion and introduction to the game. Sessions align with the MiniRoos philosophy and the Australian Curriculum, supporting football growth. They also provide clear and accessible pathways into community football participation.

Looking ahead, Football NSW continues to expand its school-based opportunities. These include women’s and girls’ clinics, futsal programs, coach education and targeted school support initiatives. With strong foundations in place, Football NSW is well positioned to kick off 2026 with even greater momentum, driving football’s growth forward.

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Community consultation opens for Ashburton’s Warner Reserve pavilion upgrade

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Image Credit: City of Boroondara

Community consultation has opened on the proposed redevelopment of the Warner Reserve pavilion in Ashburton. Early planning is underway to modernise the facility and improve amenities for local sporting clubs and community users.

The city of Boroondara has received $80,000 in Victorian Government funding to prepare concept designs. They will undertake community consultation as part of planning for the proposed upgrade.

While construction is currently scheduled for the 2032-33 financial year, the project could be brought forward if additional funding is secured.

The proposed redevelopment would see existing pavilion replaced with a modern facility better positioned to service the reserve. Plans include two new changerooms with toilets and showers, a multipurpose community space with a kitchen and canteen, a first aid room, umpire facilities, an externally accessible public toilet and a covered spectator viewing area.

The proposed new look pavilion at Warner Reserve. Image Credit: City of Boroondara

The concept also allows for the future addition of two extra changerooms, should participation levels continue to grow.

As part of the proposal, the existing playground would be relocated to improve visibility and open space within the reserve. Six trees identified for removal would also be replaced with new plantings elsewhere in Warner Reserve.

Residents, sporting clubs and reserve users are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposal before consultation closes on 15 September. Feedback will help refine the concept design before the project progresses to future planning and funding stages.

If delivered, the redevelopment is expected to improve facilities for local sporting clubs and community groups while providing more inclusive amenities to support growing participation across community sport.

SBS confirms exclusive Australian rights to 2030 FIFA World Cup

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Editorial credit: kovop

SBS has officially secured the exclusive Australian broadcast rights to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, meaning Australians will again be able to watch all 104 matches of the tournament live and free. The network will carry the tournament across television, video and radio and, as with 2026, all games will be streamed via SBS On Demand. 

The agreement was confirmed on 1 September, and will see the long-running partnership between the broadcaster and FIFA extend to 44 years. SBS first broadcast the World Cup 1986, when Argentina won the tournament in Mexico.

SBS Managing Director Jane Palfreyman said the World Cup remained central to the broadcaster’s role in Australian football, bringing Australians together across cultures, languages and communities.

The new deal follows a strong 2026 edition. More than 18 million Australians watched the coverage, while SBS also recorded more than 209 million hours of consumption across its World Cup content. Approximately 55 per cent of this consumption came via digital platforms. SBS offered full matches alongside shorter ‘mini match’ recaps through SBS On Demand.

First reporting that SBS and FIFA had extended their partnership emerged in July, although had remained unconfirmed until this point.

The latest announcement confirms that reporting. The earlier report also highlighted the importance of the deal for Australian football fans. SBS would retain a free-to-air pathway to every World Cup match. The deal also gives certainty around one of the biggest sporting properties in the world. This is particularly relevant as FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino come under increased pressure.

The 2022 edition saw FIFA increase its valuation over broadcast rights, with key markets such as China having a price tag of $349 million ($250 million USD) from the governing body. For Australian football, the significance goes beyond the tournament itself.

The World Cup remains one of the sport’s biggest drivers of mainstream attention. Keeping every match live and free gives Australian fans continued access to the competition without a subscription barrier.

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