Play it Forward: Bridging the Gap in Grassroots Football
In the heart of every community, soccer is more than just a game—it’s a passion, a unifying force, and a source of joy and development for countless young Australians. However, the rising cost of participating in grassroots clubs has become a barrier for many families. At Football Core, we believe that every child deserves the chance to play, grow, and excel in the sport they love, regardless of their financial circumstances. This belief is the foundation of our initiative, “Play it Forward.”
Addressing the Financial Barriers
Recent data from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) AusPlay survey highlights a concerning trend: the cost of sport and time commitments are two of the most common reasons why many kids across the country aren’t participating. The survey shows that only 43% of children aged 14 and under participated in out-of-school organized sport activities at least once a week. However, children from low-income families, remote or regional areas, or homes where a language other than English is spoken are significantly less likely to participate.
Families, on average, spent $400 per child last year on sports, up from $300 in 2019. For many households, especially amid the current cost-of-living crisis, these expenses are becoming untenable. Parents are increasingly forced to choose between supporting their children’s athletic dreams and meeting essential household needs.
Positive Impact on Children's Lives
The benefits of participation in sports extend far beyond the pitch. Evidence shows that children involved in sports are more likely to achieve higher academic results and maintain a more balanced and healthy lifestyle. Sport teaches teamwork, discipline, and resilience—qualities that are crucial for personal development.
When children are forced to drop out due to financial constraints, it isn’t just their sporting dreams that suffer; it’s a society-wide problem. Reduced participation means fewer opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and personal growth, which can have long-term adverse effects on both individuals and communities.
What We Aim to Achieve
At Football Core, we recognize the critical role that Australian businesses play in supporting their community. Through our “Play it Forward” initiative, we are committed to donating 10% of all our profits to non-profit football clubs. These funds are dedicated to providing necessary registration support, equipment and kits for children who cannot afford them. By partnering with local clubs, we aim to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent young talents from experiencing the beautiful game.
Our Commitment
Football Core is dedicated to being a positive force in the football community. Through “Play it Forward,” we aspire to make a lasting impact by providing tangible support to those who need it most. Our program aims to ease the financial burden on families and clubs, ensuring that no child misses out on the joy and benefits of playing football due to economic barriers.
We invite businesses, community members, and football enthusiasts to join us in this mission. Together, we can create an environment where every child has the opportunity to participate in football, develop their skills, and enjoy the many benefits of this wonderful sport.
How It Works
- Only clubs who buy their equipment/kits through us can access the scheme.
- Every $5,000 accumulated from our 10% set aside from gross profits of all purchases, a partnering club will receive a cheque to register, support and provide assistance to families in need as they see fit.
- Clubs will agree to provide proof of spendings in the form of a photo with the supported family for our website forum to share our success stories, name of the individual supported and the type of support provided.
- The next block of $5,000 is assigned to the next club in line or if the next club hasn’t spent their initial block, it will be kept in an account awaiting the next available club for the donation.