Macarthur was among four football associations which recorded a 10 percent increase in player numbers in the past 12 months.
And across NSW the popularity of soccer – football, the beautiful game, call it what you will – has surged so much in the past year it now boasts more than 324,000 registered players.
An 8 per cent year on year growth in registered outdoor football players (226,056) was the clear highlight in the 2015 figures released by Football NSW, with total player registration numbers reaching 293,736.
The biggest percentage growth (19 percent) was seen in Summer Football, a small-sided social version of the game, where almost 24,000 players continued their football experience throughout the summer months.
Futsal participation rose by a similar amount, 10,041 players pulling on the boots for the indoor version of football, representing a 15 percent increase.
Registrations in NSW peaked to their highest ever levels as the theme of playing football in a safe and affordable environment combined with the success of the Socceroos, Matildas, the A-League, W-League and National Youth Leagues to play a pivotal role in the growth of player numbers.
Four associations – Macarthur, Blacktown, Canterbury and Eastern Suburbs – all grew by 10 percent in 2015 while Sutherland Association broke through the 18,000 player mark for the first time.
Referee numbers grew to 5,390 thanks in part to the many successful courses implemented throughout the season.
And 13,973 coaches registered for 2015, taking advantage of quality courses and coaching resources made available to them by Football NSW and the various associations.
School numbers also took a massive leap as 33,656 students participated in the sport compared with 25,000 in 2014. These numbers represent only the programs delivered by Football NSW and do not include school competitions.
Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore was ecstatic with the record numbers the game achieved for 2015 as well as achieving the golden 300,000 participant milestone.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]”It is phenomenal to see the surge in popularity that football has experienced this past season,” Moore said.[/social_quote]
“Football NSW have worked tirelessly in achieving this magnificent result but it was supported greatly by a whole host of people in the football family.
“The spike in numbers can be credited towards the hard work and efforts of all our 706 clubs and the 11,503 volunteers who did their part in not only recruiting new players to our wonderful sport but to retain those who were registered in 2014.
“The Socceroos taking out the AFC Asian Cup as well as the Westfield Matildas doing ever so well at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada combined with the successes of the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League to play a key role in this growth.”
FFA CEO David Gallop has praised football organisations and A-League clubs for their work in harnessing the booming interest in football.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]”The heroes of this story are the thousands of volunteers in clubs across Australia, the suburban associations and zones,” Mr Gallop said.[/social_quote]
“Guiding their efforts are the management teams in the state and territory member federations and A-league clubs. This huge increase would not be possible without a co-ordinated and integrated effort.
“Through their commitment to the cause the volunteers and managers enable so many Australians of all ages to play the beautiful game.
“By the same measure operators of indoor centres and increasingly school teachers play a huge role in getting the game played.
“I thank each and every volunteer and staff member who has contributed to this success.”
