Northern NSW in collaboration with the University of Newcastle and the NSW Office of Sport, will pilot a football version of the award-winning, community and evidence-based Daughters and Dads program.
Daughters and Dads educates and empowers girls alongside their fathers (or father figures) to improve physical activity, football skill proficiency and social and emotional wellbeing.
Annelise Rosnell, Northern NSW Football Legacy Plan Manager, is excited about the positive outcomes possible from Daughters and Dads Football.
“If you are a dad or father figure who wants to spend quality time with your daughter, do fun physical activities, and learn how to improve their football skills, confidence, self-esteem and resilience, then Daughters and Dads Football is for you.
We know young women face more barriers to sport participation, like limited opportunities, lack of encouragement and low confidence to get involved. Daughters and Dads Football directly addresses these challenges and strengthens the bond between daughters and their dads” said Rosnell.
Leveraging the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Daughters and Dads Football is the first initiative launched from the NSW Football Legacy Program to leverage the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and provide more football opportunities for women and girls.
The Legacy Program is managed by Rosnell at Northern NSW Football who believes it will “support female football at all levels through the construction of new community facilities, participation initiatives, high performance opportunities and leadership programs.
This is possible because of support and funding from the NSW Government and the Office of Sport. Something we are very grateful for.”
What is Daughters and Dads Football?
The Daughters and Dads Football program introduces football to fathers or father figures and their daughters through a range of physical and social activities. The program aims to break the barriers to female participation and increase representation of women and girls in football.
The program will kick-off with a dad only information session to introduce the program and the importance of fathers and father figures in female growth and development.
Following the dad only session there will be eight weekly 90-minute program sessions where daughters and dads will spend quality time together.
Each session will include:
- 30-minute education session introducing the weekly theme
- 60-minute practical session
What are the opportunities?
Over the next two years Northern NSW Football and Football NSW will deliver 46 programs across the state, engage 2,500 participants, host a state-wide roadshow and seven Mini World Cup gala days.
Following the completion of the program there is an opportunity for daughters to connect with local clubs to continue playing and it is hoped all participants will take up the offer.
Who is it for?
The program is for fathers and father figures (stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, or trusted family friends) and their daughters aged five to 12.
Why get involved?
- Be introduced to the uniting game of football in a social and judgement-free environment
- Learn how to be your daughter’s ‘personal coach’ on and off the field
- Have fun whilst boosting yours and your daughter’s physical, social, emotional and mental health
- Learn key skills to help your daughter’s growth and development and how to overcome gender barriers
- All fitness levels and abilities are welcome
- Opportunity to connect with local football clubs to continue playing football
Upcoming sessions
Coffs Harbour – Coffs Sport & Leisure Park (Synthetic Fields)
Day: Saturdays
Start date: 15 October 2022
End date: 10 December 2022
Time: 10:00am to 11:30am
Cost: $100 – Active Kids Vouchers can be used
Dads – REGISTER HERE
Daughters – REGISTER HERE
Please register yourself and your daughter separately through each link.
Speers Point – Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
Day: Tuesdays
Start date: 11 October 2022
End date: 6 December 2022
Time: 5:45pm to 7:15pm
Cost: $100 – Active Kids Vouchers can be used
Due to a high number of registrations this location is now at capacity.
Join the waitlist or register your interest for Term 1, 2023.
Questions
For more information about the Daughters and Dads Football program, please contact Northern NSW Football at legacy@northernnswfootball.com.au or 4941 7200.
