The Office of Sport has kicked off a new program encouraging girls to team up with their dads and develop a lifelong love of soccer.
Welcoming the Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered Football Program, Minister for Sport, Alister Henskens said the program, run in partnership with Football NSW, Northern NSW Football and the University of Newcastle, was part of the State’s NSW Football Legacy Program.
Mr Henskens said the Legacy Program would deliver a range of initiatives to ensure the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 left 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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Henskens said the Daughters and Dads Program would be delivered across the State for girls aged between five and 12.
He said the Program 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,” the Minister said.
