Sydney FC’s Kiama Football Festival has enjoyed another successful year, bringing together 81 teams from across Sydney and regional New South Wales for a weekend of grassroots football on the South Coast.
Held at Kiama Sports Complex on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, the two-day festival welcomed young footballers from Under 7s through to Under 12s for one of Sydney FC’s biggest community events of the year.
Teams travelled from across Sydney and regional NSW to take part, including clubs from the Shoalhaven region and as far west as Bathurst.
The festival also brought together clubs from across Sydney FC’s eight partner association areas, allowing young players to compete against teams they would not ordinarily encounter during their regular seasons.
Sydney FC’s Charlotte Ercil, Head of Sky Blue Pathways, said the weekend provided an opportunity to connect different parts of the football community.
“It’s great to see teams from all over Sydney and regional areas come together for the weekend,” she said.
“It gives the players the chance to play against teams from other areas that they wouldn’t normally get to face. It’s social and friendly, but there’s still that competitive side to it as well.”
There was also a strong contingent of girls’ teams across the weekend, with dedicated Under 10 and Under 12 girls’ competitions forming part of the festival.
Away from the action on the pitch, young footballers and their families were able to enjoy a Sydney FC fan zone, football activities, hair braiding, a zinc station and food vendors.
Sydney FC players Marcel Tisserand and Indiana Dos Santos also made appearances on Saturday, meeting young players and families attending the festival.
This year marked the first time the Kiama Football Festival had a presenting partner, with Schorle supporting the event and providing drinks to those in attendance.
Charlotte said feedback from players, parents and coaches across the weekend had been overwhelmingly positive.
“We had nothing but good feedback. The sun was shining, the teams were friendly, and everyone had a really good couple of days,” she said.
“It’s a great connection piece for us as a club because it brings together our different association partners and allows everyone to share that football experience.”
The experience will continue beyond the festival, with participating teams receiving tickets to a Sydney FC match and selected age-group winners earning the opportunity to take part in a matchday experience at a Sky Blues home game.
Sydney FC would like to thank Kiama Junior Football Club for hosting the festival, presenting partner Schorle for its support and Kiama Municipal Council for its support through the Destination Event Funding Program.
The Kiama Football Festival continues to form an important part of Sydney FC’s commitment to grassroots football, bringing young players, clubs and communities together through the game.
