Football Australia Marks AFC Grassroots Football Day with Focus on Community Inclusion

Football Australia has celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, reinforcing the sport’s role as a primary driver for community development, safety, and inclusion.

Held under the theme ‘Football for all, for Life’, the event underscored the organisation’s ongoing commitment to growing the game from the grassroots level, in alignment with FIFA World Football Week and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Commenting on the program, Canterbury Football Association CEO, Trent Thomas, said: “Football at the grassroots level has seen girls and women’s football continue to grow in recent years.

“More enjoyment, more participants, and an increased sense of community all brought together through grassroots football,” he said. 

Adding his comment, Football Australia representative, Grace Lambourne, added: “Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter.”  

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game,” Lambourne said.

Community Engagement and Grassroots Growth

Hosted by the Balmain & District Football Club in collaboration with Football NSW and the Canterbury Football Association, the event attracted more than 400 participants ranging from 4 to 74 years of age. The program utilised small-sided football sessions to cater to a diverse demographic, featuring dedicated girls-only junior programs, all-abilities sessions, and over-age categories.

A key focus of the event was the Girls Junior Gala Day, which hosted 150 girls aged between 4 and 8. This activation highlighted the sustained surge in female participation following the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Football Australia reporting a 32 per cent increase in female involvement across the nation. Beyond playing opportunities, the gala also facilitated leadership development for young referees and coaches, addressing the critical need to foster the next generation of football volunteers and officials.

A central feature of the celebration was the formal recognition of the Balmain & District Football Club’s commitment to organisational excellence. The club was presented with the prestigious 3 Star Club Changer award, recognising its robust frameworks regarding child safeguarding, accessibility, and overall club development.

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