Football Queensland’s implementation and delivery of Sporting Schools programs across the state has successfully reached over 7,000 students.
The Sporting Schools program is designed to encourage participants to connect with community sporting organisations and to improve physical activity for students.
After a strong showing of interest from schools, 60 football programs were implemented in Term 1 of 2021, leading to a 12% increase in Sporting Schools participant numbers compared to Term 1 last year.
Football Queensland’s Officer for Schools Participation, Laura Bryant, was delighted at the success of the program so far.
“The response is really encouraging as it shows football is becoming more popular in schools for both boys and girls,” she said.
“Sporting Schools is Australia’s largest school-based sports participation program and FQ is proud to be the provider for football programs in Queensland with support from Football Australia.”
Term 2 has seen over 100 Sporting Schools football programs approved for delivery in Term 2, while applications have opened for Term 3 funding.
“With applications now open for Term 3 program funding, we’d encourage Queensland schools to apply to deliver a football program for their students,” Bryant said.
“It’s a great introductory program designed to help kids begin their football journeys in a safe and supportive environment.
“FQ’s participation team has worked closely with Football Australia to create a sustainable teacher-delivered program.
“The coaches we have chosen from FQ have done an excellent job helping students who are interested in playing football and have been working hard to ensure the programs are fun, engaging and educational for young players.”
Football Queensland Chief Executive Officer Robert Cavallucci acknowledged the importance that this opportunity presents for football’s growth in the state.
“Sporting Schools has been a valuable opportunity for us to encourage children to be active across the state and drive ongoing participation in football, in line with our strategic commitment to engaging with schools throughout Queensland,” he said.
“Uniting football in Queensland means bringing all facets of the game together while delivering high-quality experiences for everyone involved, even with the challenges presented to us with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Sporting Schools program has been a fantastic example of this in action.”
With the support of quality resources and educational programs, Bryant said she hopes students across the state will be able to continue developing their skills.
“FQ wants as many Queensland primary schools as possible to have the opportunity to offer the best football programs for their students,” she explained.
“We are focused on providing students with a safe and supportive environment to grow in a sport they love.”
Applications for Sporting Schools Term 3 funding are open until 8pm on Friday, June 4.
