From disability competitions to coaching courses and referee instruction, ‘Grassroots Football Month’ is a chance to learn, participate and enjoy football at all levels.
Starting March 17 and going through till April 17, the initiative is a chance for all levels of football from all states to get together and collaboratively learn new skills.

Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop says it gives people a chance to try their hand at different jobs throughout the month.

“Grassroots Football Month is an opportunity for all members of our large and diverse football community to get involved. Whether you are looking to participate at any level be it volunteer, coach, administrator, referee or player in any form of the game there is no better time to get involved,” he said.

Members of the community will be able to attend coach education sessions, in particular, free Grassroots Football Certificate courses; attend and participate in free Game Leader and Instructor Referee courses; and opportunities for children aged between 5-11 years to become involved in football through various clubs across Australia in Optus Small Sided Football.

The Grassroots Coaching Certificate is a three hour course aimed at beginner coaches and teachers of players up to 7 years of age. It is designed to provide candidates with a basic understanding of their role as a coach and to provide them with practical ideas for training sessions. Complementing the course is the coaching manual called ‘Football For Kids’.

The Optus Small Sided Football Game Leader and Instructing Referee courses are designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to supervise and manage games from U6-U11 levels.

Finally all Member Federations will be actively promoting and facilitating sign-up days around the country, in particular children aged between 5-11 to link up with football clubs and associations in their area.

For more information and to get involved visit: www.footballaustralia.com.au or www.myfootballclub.com.au