Football is one of the most popular games in Australia, in 2021, football had a 48.7% stake in participation rates for children aged 6-13. In May of 2023, the Australian Sports Commission discovered that over 1.1 million Australians were active registered participants in football, with over 400,000 people more than second placed golf.
Whilst this is a successful part of the game, there is always room for improvement to develop and maintaining participation rates of grassroots football. This guide will look at some points of interest for football associations and grassroots clubs to investigate internally and reflect on relevant action areas.
- ‘Football watchalongs’
A study into AFL youth retention looked at the AFL games and their ability to draw and keep a crowd of young players interested in the game.
From a club point of view, watching parties at the clubhouse, or local community hall can be a great way to get communities together, and enjoy the social aspect of the game. It is also an opportunity for new local families to get involved and get a taste of the club, food and drink services may also be a great source of revenue.
The club should try to be more than just a place to play a game of football, but to become a second home in order for kids to want to come back year on year.
- Club archives and contacts to find alumni of the club.
The post-COVID era has been a tough battle to navigate, as many youths have lost interest in the game in the stop start seasons of 2020 and 2021. The complete end to proceedings meant that many children lost the social aspect of sport, and a severe lack of motivation.
This could also bring an opportunity for some older players to dust off the cobwebs and get back on the park with their friends and family.
If possible, the archives of previously registered players emails and phone numbers may be a beneficial way to give a nudge on the shoulder and allow players and families to consider returning to the game.
Re-engaging with players past and present of your club through text, emails, and social media campaigns can be a beneficial way to lure players back into the club scene, and perhaps even pick up a few new players in the process.
- Coaching check-ups by club committee members
A lot of adults and teenagers can relate to having their childhood game ruined by over-competitive and over the top coaches and officials at a grassroots level, which ruin a child’s experience in football through abuse, favouritism, and a plethora of other factors.
Clubs could possibly have a committee member who periodically checks in with parents and players to ensure everyone is happy with how the coach is running the team, and any areas of concern to which can be brought to attention in a professional and anonymous manner.
Many parents and children would rather just walk over discussing the problem with a coach, so by checking in that everything is going well on all sides, and intervening when it is not, can further promote an enjoyable experience for all at your local club.
- Get involved with your local community
Getting involved in the local community is a great way to grow interest in the club, and drive recruitment for a club, particularly in the off season. Shopping centres, registration evening at local pubs and clubs can be a great conversation starter for families with children at dinner.
Many new parents to areas are also keen to find the best place for their child to begin playing, and an active presence in community social media channels is a great way to ensure the club is recognised and advertised to potential players.
Another potential recruitment drive is to ask current players, or having a committee member make announcements at local schools, advertising in school newsletters, about registration. Kids in their groups may discuss which club they are at and might be convinced to join yours!
- Logistical Support
A massive reason for kids being unable to play the game, is their parents being unable to take them to games and training, due to work or other commitments. A fundraiser for a club courtesy bus to pick up and drop off kids from games, or even perhaps a partnership with local RSLs and pubs, as many courtesy buses run in the evenings for these venues, and perhaps they would be willing to allow the vehicle to be used in the morning/early afternoon of kids’ sport.
Overall, there are a number of ideas that clubs can implement, based on their own availabilities and resources, to drive recruitment, and create a welcoming environment which will have kids and families wanting to stay for years to come.
By Beau Clements
