It was all smiles at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, Hurstville on Monday as Sydney FC ran a coaching clinic as part of the Sporting Schools program.
The program, an Federal Government initiative, is designed to help schools increase their students’ participation in sport and connect children with community sport.
Sydney FC is one of the national sporting organisations affiliated with the program.
The Sky Blues have run their football program with students at Peakhurst West, Blakehurst, Kogarah Intensive English Centre, Jannali East, Laguna Street and Rockdale primary schools during term two as part of the initiative.
Sydney FC community football manager and former A-League player Paul Reid said students had adapted well to the program.
“That’s the best thing about it. Quite a few of the kids haven’t played football before and you see them having so much fun.
“They just become so much more confident in their own ability and in themselves.”
Reid, who is player-coach at Rockdale City in the NSW NPL 1 competition, said Sutherland and St George were both extremely strong areas for football.
“Obviously in those two football associations there are a lot of Sydney FC supporters and a lot of junior footballers,” he said.
“They are always a strong breeding ground for young footballers.
“We’ve made a point working together with the associations to get football into schools.
“We know how important it is to encourage those girls and boys to hopefully play for one of their local clubs.
“I started playing at five-years-old and I’m still playing now. It’s as a young kid that you develop that love of the game.”
Funding for term three is open now on the Sporting Schools website.
I started playing at five-years-old and I'm still playing now. It's as a young kid that you develop that love of the game.
- Paul Reid
Any primary school can register and apply for funding – meaning a four to eight week Sydney FC football program will not cost a school – or its students anything.
Schools also receive an equipment pack of 10 footballs, 10 bibs and a ball bag included in the program.
Sydney FC will also run their three-day holiday clinics at various locations during the July school holidays.
Every location will have Sydney FC A-League players for the kids to meet.
Details of the clinics, including one at Rockdale’s Ilinden Sports Centre from July 12 to 14, can be found on the community and holiday clinics page at sydneyfc.com.
