The Positive Start in 2022 initiative is having an enormous impact on our game, with Football Victoria (FV) having already partnered with more than 130 schools to deliver football clinics across our state.
Over the past two years kids have missed so many extra-curricular activities, sparking the Victorian Government to invest $112.9 million into the Positive Start in 2022 initiative.
Schools have the opportunity to choose one, or a combination of GO Girls, Futsal or Outdoor Football - all of which are delivered free and in person in a fun and engaging environment. To date, Positive Start is proving to be a resounding success, with FV having already registered to host football clinics with more than 130 schools.
Brad Atholwood, Schools Program Manager, was delighted with the uptake, stating he is expecting the program to continue even further in the lead up to Term 3.
“Football Victoria have been really encouraged by the initial uptake of schools for the Positive Start Initiative. It has been fantastic to see Primary & Specialist School students receive the opportunity to have trained and equipped coaches, deliver a highly engaging Football session to provide them a sample of the best and most fun aspects of our beautiful sport," he said.
"This initiative has already engaged areas of our state that would otherwise be hungry for these types of programs. We encourage all Victorian Primary & Specialist Schools not to miss this opportunity to provide their students with an experience that will reignite or realise their passion for physical activity and football!”
Most pleasing has been the diverse range of schools getting involved. There has been a strong uptake from schools across metro and regional Victoria, along with mainstream and specialist schools.
In total, the Positive Start in 2022 initiative will provide more than 325,000 fully subsidised places for students in sporting and cultural programs. These will boost kids’ motivation and help them rebuild their connections with friends, teachers and communities.
If you are interested in bringing football to your school through the Positive Start program, you can learn more below.
Victorian schools can provide FREE opportunities for their students to experience a range of activities and programs, including three fantastic football options FV is providing:
Outdoor football program
Aimed at Victorian primary schools, this program provides a fun, engaging & fast form of football. The program is conducted in an outdoor open space with fully equipped FV coaches, targeting those participants who are historically less active and who have not had previous experiences in a football setting.
GO Girls: Girls football program
GO Girls is a social, non-competitive football program for girls ONLY, designed for them to experience, learn & practice football in an inclusive, fun all-girl environment.
There is no pressure to perform, with participation in the program accessible by students of all skill levels.
Futsal (Indoor football) program
This program introduces Futsal to your students; an exciting, fast-growing format of football, played on an indoor court with a smaller ball. There is no offside rule, meaning players can get more touches on the ball and score more goals than traditional outdoor football. There are unlimited substitutions available during the match and the format allows players to gain more confidence on the ball and increase decision making.
In line with our other programs, the Futsal program can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.
For more information or to apply for the Positive Start in 2022 initiative, please visit the link below.