Football Federation Australia have thrown their support behind Sport Australia’s national Position Statement on Physical Literacy and its importance to the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Sport Australia’s Position Statement is a commitment to help all Australians, especially children, bring out their best through physical activity.
And FFA is among a host of leading sporting organisations and education bodies to endorse the cause.
“Football Federation Australia (FFA) congratulates Sport Australia on the release of the Australian Physical Literacy Framework and fully supports its work in helping Australians develop their physical literacy at every stage of life,” FFA Chief Executive David Gallop said.
“As the largest club-based participation sport in Australia and a game that can be played by everyone, from the under 5s to the over 75s, football is uniquely placed to deliver physical, psychological, social and cognitive health and wellbeing benefits for all Australians.
“FFA is working closely with Sport Australia and football stakeholders in redeveloping its Whole of Football Schools Framework, linked to the Sporting Schools program, to align with physical literacy outcomes.
“A strategic objective for Football in Schools will be to get more kids active and developing social skills through quality football program experiences.”
Statistics show eight in 10 Australian children are not active enough, with something needed to be done to help children develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for healthy lives.
“Physical literacy is far bigger than just teaching our children how to play sport, it’s about putting them on the path to healthier, happier and more active lives,” Sport Australia CEO Kate Palmer said.
“You don’t give a young child a book and expect them to understand it confidently without first teaching them how to read, so why can’t we place a greater emphasis on teaching every child to be active, which is a fundamental skill that will benefit them every day, for the rest of their lives?
“The Australian Government has set a goal in the national sport plan to decrease physical inactivity by 15% by 2030.
“So improving physical literacy in children is vital. The quality of life for this generation and for future generations depends on it.”
Sport Australia’s full Position Statement on Physical Literacy
“Sport Australia is committed to improving the lives of all Australians through sport and physical activity. We want more Australians moving more often because we know the enormous benefits to our health and wellbeing – physically, socially, psychologically and cognitively.
“Success depends on generational change, with an emphasis on young Australians. Today’s environment and increasingly sedentary lifestyles mean many children are missing out on learning fundamental movement skills, like how to run, throw, kick, catch or jump.
“This is a vital first step in developing the physical literacy required to get Australians moving more. Physical literacy is about developing knowledge and behaviours that give children the motivation and confidence to enjoy active lifestyles.
“Establishing active habits in children sets them on the path to happier and healthier lives, paving the way for a more productive Australia. Educators, coaches and families all play a crucial role in promoting and developing physical literacy in children.
“This can be achieved through quality physical education, school and community sport programs and embracing daily play and physical activity. Movement skills, like numeracy, reading and writing, can be learned. Research shows that children who engage in regular physical activity and improve their physical literacy, reap the numerous health benefits and also learn better academically.
“Sport Australia wants all young Australians to benefit from these opportunities. We are committed to leading and collaborating with the sport, education and health sectors to ensure physical literacy is a core component of every child’s development and education. Through this commitment we will strive to create a healthier generation of more active Australians.”
