The next generation of Matildas will begin their football journey as part of a new program encouraging girls to team up with their dads and develop a lifelong love of the world game.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered Football Program is part of the NSW Football Legacy Program, which will deliver $10 million in initiatives to ensure the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 leaves a positive legacy on football at all levels.
“We want to encourage more girls to participate in sport, and this program builds on the excitement around the FIFA Women’s World Cup, ushering the next generation of footballers into the game with the support of their dads,” Mr Henskens said.
“Local community-based programs like this are further evidence of the long term-benefits of NSW hosting major sporting events and next year’s World Cup will provide young girls across NSW with new role models and a pathway to the top.”
Based on research that found fathers that are actively engaged with their daughters have a powerful influence on their health and development, the grassroots program targets them to improve their daughters’ physical activity, sport skills and social-emotional wellbeing.
The program is a partnership between the NSW Government, Football NSW, Northern NSW Football and the University of Newcastle, and will be delivered across the State for girls aged between five and 12.
The program has kicked off this month in Lindfield, Glenwood, Speers Point and Coffs Harbour. Football NSW and Northern NSW Football are seeking expressions of interest from football clubs across the State to deliver the program in early 2023.
Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodges said the popular Daughters and Dads program will kick-start the rollout of the Legacy Program.
“We are excited to have Daughters and Dads help continue commitment towards our goal of gender parity in football,” Mr Hodges said.
Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said the region is striving for 35 per cent female participation in the sport by 2023.
“Daughters and Dads is a key initiative to achieve this objective and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of this grassroots program in our community,” Mr Eland said.
For further information, visit www.daughtersanddads.com.au.
