Regional areas of South Australia are set to capitalise on World Cup fever following the announcement of a new football position in the state that will offer development opportunities for country kids.
A regional development officer will be appointed under SA Football to entice more people into the game on the Eyre Peninsula, Limestone Coast, and Riverland.
With the momentum from the football World Cup inspiring fans, and excitement for the 2023 Women's World Cup brewing, football has grabbed the attention of millions worldwide — and Australia is no different.
SA Football's game development manager, Jake Brindley, said the new role came at an important time.
"With the Women's World Cup around the corner, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event really," Mr Brindley said.
"It's the perfect opportunity to encourage females to get involved in the game.
"Our main aim is to grow participation, help the existing associations to increase their participation base … [and] also help new towns on the Eyre Peninsula if they want to create associations."
SA Football aims to have 250 new players involved in the world game after the new regional development officer begins in January with the Eyre Peninsula.
It is a huge opportunity for the region's soccer fanatics looking for an opportunity to play professionally, with SA Football on the hunt for talented players outside of metropolitan centres.
"We're looking to not only provide opportunities from a participation point of view but also streamline regional pathways so it's easier for people to be identified, so we don't miss out on regional players that should be in our system," Mr Brindley said.
"We can't wait to get started and give the regions the attention they deserve."
The role will begin in January with clinics for people as young as five years old, as well as sessions for seniors including walking football.
There has been a 20 per cent increase in players in the Port Lincoln Soccer Association over the past five years.
Nathan Spinks, who is a Port Lincoln coach, player, and father of junior footballers, said he was keen to work with the new regional development officer.
Mr Spinks and a group of eight others volunteer their time to coach a development squad.
The group was formed two years ago to help younger people work on their football skills and provide opportunities to travel interstate to compete.
"It's a brilliant opportunity for football in the region to have the backing of the administration to focus on growing the game," Mr Spinks said.
"While our town is very AFL-centric, football is growing nationally.
"You look at junior participation numbers for football and AFL — football is significantly ahead."
