Sydney FC will host the Kiama Football Festival on September 14 and 15 at the Kiama Sports Complex which will consist of teams of 8-10 players playing six or more games.

The first day will feature Under 7’s and Under 9’s teams and the second day will feature Under 10’s and Under 12’s teams. 

Event organiser and Fan Engagement Manager for Sydney FC, Billy Kirk, says the day was implemented to counteract the lack of junior football games played this winter due to poor weather.

“This Kiama football festival gala day was designed on the back of a really wet and tumultuous winter season of community football,” says Kirk, “the kids are especially the ones who have been missing out with all of their local winter football games. So we thought this would be a nice way to re-engage and reinvigorate what they missed out on as well as ultimately celebrating the end of the season with just a one day gala day.”

It costs $300 to enter a team into the competition and there are no restrictions on gender composition or team members who wish to play.

The cost for the ticket goes towards the organisation of the event, a ticket offer to an A-League match, a trophy for the winning teams and additional Sydney FC prizes. 

The day will be a family affair, with children's activities available including hair braiding, glitter, and inflatable activations.

Kirk emphasised the importance of big clubs like Sydney FC getting down to small communities like Kiama and giving them more opportunities surrounding football.

“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.”

Kirk also hopes that events like these will help grow participation in football in Australia and inspire more events like the gala day in the area.

“In terms of the growth of the sport it's a different format to what some would play so it can translate into out of regular season winter competitions and expand on the presence that football has throughout the calendar year,” says Kirk.

The Kiama Football Festival is nearing capacity, so registrations are now available by Expression Of Interest only. Email [email protected] to express interest in registering your team.