40,000 children to benefit from NSW Government school sport funding

Up to 40,000 school children across Western Sydney are set to benefit from investment in the new Football in Schools program, teaching them both the skills of the world game and lessons in life.

The four-year $14.5 million Football in Schools Program is a major initiative of the NSW Budget that will see the NSW Government partner with A-League clubs Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC to provide football, education and wellbeing programs in local schools.

The Program will feature a wide range of initiatives to get more students participating in sport, including targeted female, multicultural and all-abilities programs.

The Program will also have focus on education with after school homework clubs and sessions on health and the benefits of an active lifestyle.

The initiatives will be delivered both in-schools and on-site at the A-League club's training facilities with up to 40,000 students expected to participate in the Program annually.

Commenting on the Program, NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper noted "40,000 kids will be able to participate in football programs with some of the best footballers and coaches in our nation.

"The Football in Schools Program will see more Western Sydney students participating in sport and enjoying the benefits of that it offers.

"We understand that families in Western Sydney are feeling the crunch of cost-of-living pressures and this free program will ensure that no child regardless of their background or ability misses out."

Image credit: Western Sydney Wanderers FC.