The interactive program will help advance access to university-level education, support the growth of football in regional and remote communities, and inspire the next generation of elite athletes.
Seven primary schools, two high schools and four local football clubs will participate in the program. The week-long activities are supported by Regional Development Australia Far West NSW.
Taking place from 11 to 15 August, the program will include skills-based soccer workshops for more than 600 primary and high school students and 200 players, professional development sessions for coaches, a meet-and-greet with Sydney FC players, and a special athlete’s breakfast celebrating local sporting success.
A key aim of the program is to increase pathways to university for students from regional and remote communities – one of the most underrepresented cohorts in Australian higher education.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that only 16.6 per cent of people aged 25 to 34 years from remote and very remote areas in Australia have a university degree, compared to 48.6 per cent of 25- to 34-year-olds from major cities.
In 2023, only 20 per cent of all new domestic students at Australian universities came from regional and remote communities, according to government data. This represented a 1.1 per cent decline compared to the previous year. Approximately seven million Australians – 28 per cent of the total population – live in remote and regional communities.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Rorden Wilkinson, said the program was another example of Macquarie University’s commitment to giving all Australian students the chance to study at university and realise their aspirations for higher education.
“Every Australian student who has the desire and capability to go to university should have that chance,” Professor Wilkinson said. “Too many people from remote and regional communities don’t get that opportunity and still face significant barriers to access that mean they are missing out.
“At Macquarie University, we have a proud history of making a university education open to as many Australians as possible. Higher education can profoundly transform lives, and we are committed to giving every Australian that opportunity.
“We are proud to partner with Sydney FC and Regional Development Australia Far West NSW to deliver this innovative and important program to the people of Broken Hill and with whom we have a long-standing and deep connection. We hope it inspires them to pursue their dreams of university and higher education.”
Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey echoed the significance of the initiative.
“This partnership is about more than football – it’s about creating opportunity, building connection and inspiring young people to aim high,” Aubrey said.
“Broken Hill is a proud and passionate community and we hope this initiative not only helps to grow the game locally but also opens pathways for young people to achieve their ambitions both on and off the field.
“At Sydney FC, we believe in using football as a force for good. Whether it’s developing the next generation of athletes or helping young Australians access the tools they need to succeed in life, this program is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration and shared purpose.
“We’re incredibly proud to be working with Macquarie University to deliver a program that brings football and education together in such a meaningful way.”
Michael Williams, Chief Executive Officer at Regional Development Australia Far West NSW, said the program represented a “unique opportunity” to unite sport and tertiary education pathways.
“Sport is often the backbone of regional communities, and linking it with opportunities for young people to build skills and explore education pathways is both powerful and worth investing in,” Williams said.
“Helping locals pursue career goals, build skills, connect with athletes and understand elite sport pathways is powerful.
“Labour shortages are becoming a global issue, affecting nearly every industry. Now more than ever, we must support and encourage local people to pursue further study and aim for the careers they aspire to.
"It has been a pleasure partnering with Macquarie University and Sydney FC to bring this initiative to Broken Hill. I look forward to seeing the program grow in the years ahead and help unlock the potential and dreams of our local community.”
