At the Eastern Suburbs Football Association we pride ourselves on providing a variety of football experiences and development opportunities all year-round. From playing winter and summer football to coaching and refereeing, there’s something for everyone.
ESFA is the delegated authority governing football in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. ESFA aims to develop football for the entire community, irrespective of age, colour, gender, and disability.
ESFA represents the largest active sports community in the Eastern Suburbs. We promote, manage, and regulate the game within our region and assist to enhance, develop, and grow the world game of association football, at all levels, in Australia.
ESFA continues to increase participation in football across the various sections of the game and provide opportunities for all participants, including players, coaches, and referees to compete locally, regionally, nationally and on the world stage.
Our Mission is to be the leading sporting body in the Eastern Suburbs, developing football for all. By promoting equity, everyone should have access to football, and we should aim to include all who want to play. To grow the game, we must bring players to our sport by improving the quality of coaching, players, referees, and facilities.
Detailed below are the many football programs and pathways we offer year-round.
Winter Football
During winter we run competitions for all ages starting from Miniroos leagues (5+) all the way to the Over 45’s league. The leagues generally run from April-Aug with a Juniors and Seniors finals series. In 2022 we had over 41 divisions across Juniors and Seniors football, with leagues suited to all abilities. Furthermore, during the winter season there are opportunities for clubs to represent at State Cup and Champion of Champions competitions.
Thinking about playing Winter Football next year? Find a club HERE.
Summer Football
In the summer months we run social 6-aside competitions for both seniors and juniors. The competitions generally run for 10 weeks up until the Christmas/New Year period. This competition is a great opportunity to continue playing once the winter competition has ended. We provide multiple competitive and social leagues that suit all levels of experience.
To find out more about our Summer Football competitions, visit HERE.
ESFA Referees
The ESFA Referees Committee had its inaugural season in 2009 as an independent sub-committee of ESFA and has now grown to over 165 members. If you are a player or coach, you can still be involved with your team, as well as refereeing on weekends. Throughout the year there are many opportunities for referees to get involved in such as winter and summer competitions, gala days, club events and charity events.
The Branch is continually looking to expand its membership base so anyone who wishes to become a referee in the Eastern Suburbs please refer to the Become a Referee page.
FNSW SAP
ESFA participates in the Football NSW Skill Acquisition Program (SAP), which is part of the talented pathway for players aged between 9-13 years of age. Through our relationships with Youth League clubs in the Metro East area, our players are given the best opportunity to play at the highest level. Players are selected into the program based on their current skill level, their potential to develop the key skills required, their attitude and commitment to the program. Through the years we have seen many players that have represented ESFA SAP go on to play for NPL1 clubs such as Sydney FC and NSW Institute as well as local clubs including Hakoah, Sydney University and UNSW FC.
To learn more about this pathway, visit HERE.
Association SAP
The ESFA SAP Model aims to provide Association players with a high-level community football experience following the Football Australia National Curriculum and Skills Acquisition Program format. The ESFA SAP Model will act as the highest division in community football for ages U10s, U11s and U12s. This will improve the pathway opportunities and skill development, for both players and coaches.
For more information and to see which clubs are offering this pathway, visit HERE.
Coach Education
We are continually providing coach education opportunities and pathways for aspiring coaches from grassroots to local premier league coaches and all levels in between. With courses often led by ESFA staff in the Eastern Suburbs, it has become incredibly convenient for coaches to begin their coach education journey on their doorstep. We have also partnered with other associations allowing greater networking among other like-minded coaches.
For further information regarding coaching opportunities, either visit HERE or contact td@esfa.com.au.
Female Football Development
Throughout 2022 we have further increased our female coaches community by offering support and forums for those seeking to develop their knowledge and experience. Through the Female Coaching Mentorship Group (FCMG), we have been able to engage well over 50 female coaches with our female only coaching courses, our collaboration with Macarthur FA and within our busy WhatsApp group chat. The FCMG vision is to create an environment that inspires and empowers females to coach and develop as coaches. Visit HERE to get involved with our Mentorship Group.
Skills Training Programs (Sydney FC)
We have teamed up with Sydney FC to offer a popular Skills Training Program. The professionally run year-round weekly sessions help players develop their game in an encouraging environment with enthusiastic, qualified coaches.
Sessions are tailored to children ages 6-11 years old and focus on many aspects of the game including dribbling, passing, and shooting skills to give them a solid foundation to their game and small-sided games to provide a rounded football education. The program is planned to ensure all players gain the confidence in their ability to thrive in their club games.
For more information about this program visit HERE.
Holiday Clinics (Sydney FC)
Through our partnership with Sydney FC, we also provide exciting and technical school holiday clinics for children ages 5-12 years old. The clinics provide non-stop football fun for kids and a seamless experience for parents.
Overseen by qualified coaches, who are experts in helping youngsters boost their football skills, the Clinics are the perfect way to keep your kids on the ball during the school holidays. Our Camps help kids boost their football ability, develop their motor skills, improve decision making, learn to work as a team, improve confidence, and develop their social skills.
For more information about the clinics, visit HERE.
Goalkeeper Workshops
In 2022 we ran several goalkeeper workshops open to junior and senior players from our local clubs. We received glowing feedback from participants who felt that they developed in their position and were able to use their leant skills on game day, as well as educating other members of their club. As such, we will be increasing the frequency and availability of these sessions throughout 2023. You can keep up to date with our future workshops by following our social media platforms.
ESFA Minis
ESFA Minis runs in line with the school term in 10-week blocks. The program is tailored to children ages 2-5 years old and is the perfect, fun introduction to the game of football. Sessions incorporate a range of activities and fun-based games designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and develop basic motor skills that are essential for playing football, among other sports and activities.
Sessions are held in Coogee on Thursday and Friday mornings with the plan of expanding our days and venues in 2023. Free trials are available for all new participants wishing to give the program a try. Players can enrol for the whole term or on a casual basis.
If you would like any further information about any of our programs and pathways, please contact info@esfa.com.au.