The Foreign Minister, the Hon. Julie Bishop MP, today announced that FFA has been chosen to implement a grassroots football development pilot program in India.
The announcement at Sydney’s Kirribilli House was attended by Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop, and saw confirmation that the ‘Just Play’ program will be rolled out in 14 districts in the Indian state of Kerala later this year.
The objective of the program is to give children aged six to twelve years a positive first experience with football while also teaching lessons about important social issues, such as gender equality and sanitation.
‘Just Play’ is a joint venture between the Australian Government, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), UNICEF and UEFA Foundation. FFA has been an official partner since the program was inaugurated in 2009.
The Foreign Minister, the Hon. Julie Bishop MP, said the pilot program would be the first time the ‘Just Play’ program has been implemented outside the Oceania region.
“The Australian Government is delighted with the success of the program in 11 Pacific nations,” said Minister Bishop.
“The program has helped over 200,000 children in Oceania learn football skills along with valuable health and well-being lessons. I look forward to making the same positive impact in Kerala.”
FFA CEO David Gallop said the ‘Just Play’ program demonstrated the crucial role football can play in delivering Australian international aid across Asia and Oceania.
“Combining football with an educational agenda is a compelling way to engage with vulnerable children,” said Gallop. “It’s a way that football is Australia’s bridge to Asia and beyond.
“The ‘Just Play’ program has a proven record over the past seven years and I’m sure that FFA’s expertise in coaching and development, supported by the Australia Government’s funding, will produce very worthwhile outcomes in India.”
In addition to the announcement, Westfield Matilda Chloe Logarzo led several young members of Sydney’s football community through a number of football drills.
FFA representatives have held preliminary discussions with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Sports Authority of India, which has confirmed that there would be access to national facilities in the event that the program expanded beyond a pilot.