The Sydney FC Football Festival was held at Kiama Sports Complex on September 15 and 16. It achieved great success, drawing 60 teams and nearly 600 players from across the Illawarra, Sydney, and Southern Highlands.

Kiama Junior Football Club president Andrew Wales says the weekend was so successful that many are already eager to register for next year.

“The weekend was an outstanding success. Despite the wind on Sunday, all teams had fun, and many have already commenced planning to attend the 2025 Festival. The partnership between Kiama Junior Football Club and Sydney FC has grown even stronger, and we’re also grateful to Destination Kiama and Kiama Council for their support,” says Wales.

The festival was introduced to counteract the lack of junior football games played this winter due to poor weather.

Event organiser and Fan Engagement Manager for Sydney FC, Billy Kirk, says festivals like this are crucial for maximising opportunities for young players in smaller communities.

“It’s about being able to give back and provide smaller communities, like Kiama, opportunities that they’re not normally going to be able to experience compared to clubs and communities in major cities like Sydney and to a smaller extent, Wollongong,” says Kirk.

“So, it's good to be able to get down to Kiama and run something for the Kiama community and also to bring people down to showcase what Kiama is all about.”

The festival was a great way to top off a successful year for the Kiama Junior Football Club.