South Coast junior football players (from left) Zac Nikokovski, Adam Vrtkovski and Keegan Matias. Picture: GREG TOTMAN
Football South Coast is hoping to cash in on the growth of football at a grassroots level, aiming for record junior registration in the upcoming season.
Riding high on the back of the success of the A-League and the golden generation of Socceroos, projections are for participation numbers to again improve.
FSC chief executive Bill Kostandas said his organisation is hoping to outstrip levels it has achieved in previous years.
‘‘FSC is committed to give every member of our community the opportunity to experience the teamwork and social inclusion created through participating in the sport of football,’’ he said.
The official registration dates will be held this Saturday and on February 9 at each club’s local venue between 10am-2pm.
Parents are encouraged to visit Football South Coast’s website and fill in the paperwork before lodging registration forms. Players can still register outside of these dates.
Football South Coast Technical Director Glenn Fontana said the region had proved to be a nursery for Australian internationals, both men and women.
‘‘FSC is committed to provide football programs for boys and girls that focus on individual technical development as well as FFA small-sided games,’’ he said.
FSC director Ann-Marie Balliana added: ‘‘It is also a sport that means everyone on the team gets to contribute and the introduction of small-sided games a few years ago means our younger kids really get to have a go and get lots of touches.
‘‘Gone are the days of watching 22 kids chase a ball around the field. It has been a great concept that really gets our kids to enjoy every second on the field.’’