The FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 will be held from July 20 to August 20 and we predict that football’s popularity amongst kids will skyrocket.
We interviewed Ann-Marie Balliana, chief executive officer of Football South Coast, to find out what local opportunities there are for kids and to learn more about the coming season.
Tell us about Football South Coast.
Football South Coast is an association that runs competitions all across the Illawarra from Helensburgh to Gerrigong. The 2023 season starts in April and runs through to August/September. We have a spot for all age and ability ranges.
We have loads of programs on offer including school holiday clinics, partnerships with Sydney FC, girls-only programs. To view the current list, click here.
What is your age range for local kids?
We offer competitions from under 6s to adults. The juniors competition is called Mini Roos, which includes under 6s to under 11s. Within this comp, you have smaller fields and team members (under 6s start with 4 a side), to ensure that everyone gets a touch of the ball.
What are the registration details and deadlines?
Registrations are open now and you can click here to find your local club and register.
Registrations are open till the competition starts in April, however, we do recommend you sign up to a club before the end of February so clubs can start putting teams together and we can finalise the draws.
What are the fees involved and what does this entail?
Each club has a different fee, however, it will sit around the $100 mark and you can use your Active Kids vouchers from Service NSW.
Fees include training once a week and game day costs, insurance, plus offer a uniform, potentially including shirt and socks.
What capabilities would you expect from the kids?
We accept anyone of any ability. But we also like to ensure that your kids are playing other kids of similar ability. So if a team is winning week after week, we shift them into a harder grade competition and vice versa.
Why would you recommend parents sign up their children for soccer?
Football encompasses the three S’s – safe, simple and skilful. It is a fantastic entry-level sport to a global game.
For more information, find your local club’s details here. Each club will a free Come and Try Football Session so your kid can get a feel for the game before registering.
