Youngsters get chance to meet local heroes
After a massive year for football in Australia in 2006, with the Socceroos reaching the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup, the successful first season of the Hyundai A-League and the Qantas Matildas narrowing missing out on becoming Asian Champions, Football Federation Australia, through TFA, is committed to giving children of any ability the opportunity to experience the fantastic sport of football as well as meeting our local stars.
TFA is an introductory football program for boys and girls aged 5 - 12 years being delivered nationally by the FFA. According to FFA Community Football Programs Manager Matt Bulkeley ‘this six session program is an ideal introduction to football as it is ‘game-centred- and encourages children to play the game anywhere, anytime and with anyone!-
The focus of TFA is on small-sided games and age appropriate activities with a particular emphasis on enjoyment The program is largely unstructured, providing an environment where kids can express their individuality, progress at their own level and most importantly enjoy playing the game in a variety of formats including 5 v 5, 4 v 4 and even by themselves.
‘Our Hyundai A-League clubs have been fantastic in what is a crucial time leading into the final series, they have really got right behind these programs and are making their players available to attend part of the program. It a unique opportunity for new or inexperienced players to enjoy themselves and meet their favourite players at the same time- said Bulkeley.
For a cost of just $66, children participate in the six session program and receive a kit of equipment that enables them to participate in football beyond the formal conclusion of the program.
The kit includes: • a Nike Total 90 all surface football • a Nike Brasilia equipment bag • markers to use a goals and to mark out a field • a drink bottle
To register and learn more about these special TFA Programs click on the links provided:
TFA Centres (Click on the relevant state of the club you wish to participate at - centres are marked in yellow). TFA Summer Program Registration Form
The program also allows parents to become actively involved in the delivery of the sessions and support their children as they experience the fun and excitement of playing football.
Local clubs will also be encouraged to become involved with their Community or School TFA program to ensure that those parents and children who want to join club football are able to do so.
Football Federation Australia acknowledges the significant financial support of the Australian Sports Commission, through their Targeted Sports Participation Growth Program (TSPGP), and Telstra, as naming rights sponsor of Telstra Football Anytime.