The FIFA Football for Schools Programme has been officially launched in the Northern Territory today, representing the commencement of a suite of initiatives that will see more than $70,000 of funding injected into schools in the region, delivering football activities designed to promote targeted life skills and education.
FIFA Football for Schools is an ambitious programme run by FIFA, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which aims to contribute to the education, development and empowerment of around 700 million children, by making football more accessible to both boys and girls.
The commencement of FIFA Football for Schools in the Northern Territory represents a collaboration between FIFA, Football Australia, Football Northern Territory, and the Northern Territory government.
The Northern Territory is the first state in Australia to secure FIFA Football for Schools funding and it will be integrated into Football Australia's strategy to engage more school students in football by aligning to its core objectives and outcomes, including to encourage students to engage in physical literacy and learning about life principles and skills through sport.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson said the impact of FIFA Football for Schools would be felt right across the Territory.
"We're so grateful to be the recipient of FIFA Football for Schools funding, it's a program that has been rolled out globally and we're excited about the impact it can have for young people across the Northern Territory," Johnson said.
"We identified an opportunity to build on our existing engagement with First Nations people within the region through Football Northern Territory and this FIFA Football for Schools funding will help enhance this work further.
"More than 45 percent of students identify as First Nations in the Northern Territory, with a vast majority of schools in remote or very remote areas. We want to ensure we're connecting with these students and providing them with opportunities to engage with football, enjoying the many benefits our game can bring including improved health and wellbeing, creating lifelong friendships and uniting community."
Funding from FIFA Football for Schools will see week-to-week program scheduling in school curriculums, regional roadshows for remote communities, involvement in after school and holiday programs and the delivery of major events.
"We've worked very closely with the Football Northern Territory and the Department of Education to put together what we feel is a thorough program of activities that aligns with our collective objectives, and I look forward to seeing it brought to life in the coming weeks and months," Johnson concluded.
Football Northern Territory will start to deliver The FIFA Football for Schools program from Wednesday 19 July.
