Newmarket SFC- Building connections across the club

Providing alternative participation and payment models that reduce financial barriers.

In 2019 Newmarket FC on the north side of Brisbane signed 3 young people who had never played club sport in Australia. The annual fees for a senior player at Newmarket FC started at $550.

Knowing that cost is the main barrier to sports participation for recently arrived young people and families the club considered how it could reduce the cost and support the players to build stronger connections to the wider club community. The lack of connection to the wider club had also been identified as a barrier to retention for young people from refugee backgrounds.

In partnership with Welcoming Australia, Newmarket negotiated free fees in return for the players coaching in the club’s junior program.

These young men were able to complete their FFA Accredited Aldi Mini-Roo’s Coaching Certificate and obtain their Blue Card (working with children check), skills and qualifications that increased their general employability.

For the players; coaching at the club provided valuable leadership skills, work experience and increased social capital as well as reducing the stress of fees.

For the club; they have gained loved and valued role models who are embedded in the wider club community. The players have given the predominantly Anglo club an opportunity to engage with, learn from and understand people from backgrounds very different from their own. The shared passion for football has allowed them to connect with each other on and off the field.

https://www.newmarketsoccerclub.com.au/wspHome.aspx