Sydney FC Foundation - A Year Of Impact

A YEAR OF IMPACT 2022

O N E P A S S A T A T I M

"OUR MISSION IS TO POSITIVELY IMPACT THE LIVES OF YOUTH AND OUR SKY BLUE COMMUNITY, NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE, ONE PASS AT A TIME."

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

OUR MISSION OUR GOALS

To positively impact the lives of youth and our Sky Blue Community now and into the future, one pass at a time.

We are the philanthropic heart of Sydney FC and provide an ongoing invitation to our Sky Blue Members, Corporate Partners, supporters, and the wider community to invest, support and be part of its initiatives and legacy.

1. Access

Provide accessible and meaningful programs to help our youth thrive

2. Health & Wellbeing

Increase the health and wellbeing of people within our heartland

3. Community

Positively shape our own club and our surrounding community’s future

We believe that football is a universal tool which, when combined with education, will allow us to achieve our mission & goals.

OUR THREE PILLARS

1

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYS

Developing the next generation of Sky Blue Footballers, one pass at a time.

The Development Pathways pillar looks to ensure youth development continues to be a priority for the Club and Foundation, allowing any young boy or girl to achieve their dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Since its inception, the Foundation has helped hundreds of talented young footballers learn the Sky Blue way with over 30 Academy graduates going on to sign scholarship or professional contracts with the Sydney FC A-League Men’s team or elsewhere in Australia or overseas.

2FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE

Building better facilities, one pass at a time.

The Football Infrastructure pillar has an immediate focus on Sky Park and creating a precinct that serves our community. This acts as a launch pad for our Foundation’s community pillar programs to develop and thrive, and allow both the current and next generation of Sky Blue footballers, Matildas and Socceroos to prosper.

Once Sky Park is complete, the Football Infrastructure pillar will turn to creating a difference in community clubs throughout our homeland – aspiring to provide grants to the grassroot community football community to make improvements to their grounds, lighting infrastructure and club houses so they are safer, more inclusive and fit for purpose.

3

COMMUNITY

Enriching the lives of our community, one pass at a time.

The Community pillar underpins and champions our social impact work. We want to build long-term, and authentic relationships and deliver meaningful and need driven programs with a wide variety of organisations that allow us to have a lasting, positive impact on our local communities and people within them.

Through these relationships with our partners, the Community Pillar achieves the mission of the Foundation through programs and initiatives that focus on:

Health and Wellbeing – physical, mental and children, Generating meaningful impact through education & child safeguarding, and, Shaping the future so groups currently identified as minorities, such as females, those with disabilities, Indigenous Australians and the multicultural community are no longer disadvantaged or excluded.

Our aim is for our community programs to be zero cost to all participants. Thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors and grant funders, in 2022 we launched four new community programs that met this aim and are already having a direct, positive impact.

A LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR

A YEAR TO REMEMBER

It has been a true pleasure of mine to attend our programs and see our participants and their parents smiling from ear to ear throughout

A highlight has been the celebration of International Day of Person with Disability 2022 at Allianz Stadium. The joy on the faces of participants and their families across the whole day is something I will never forget.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

The Sydney FC Foundation has had a tremendous year of many firsts I am deeply honoured to be the Chair of the Foundation and to be supported by a high calibre, passionate and diverse Board who want to serve our Sky Blue Community and help change lives, one pass at a time

The power of football to unite families, friends and communities is undeniable Our Foundation is about providing access to all, to improve their wellbeing and brighten their futures

In 2022, we created Australia’s first community powerchair football program, delivered a day to remember at Allianz Stadium for people with disabilities, piloted our She Can program supporting young females in sport and partnered with The Star to provide truly memorable experiences for exceptional people in our community

Our inaugural Foundation Golf Day at North Ryde Golf Club was a fabulous success. It kicked off a series of different fundraising initiatives for the Foundation It was very special to have Club legends Alex Brosque and Dave Carney on hand to help fundraise on the day

Thank you to everyone who attended our events, bought raffle tickets, bid in our auctions and wore Sky Blue Santa Hats Your support is invaluable to our work.

I would like to thank our Sky Blue Women and Men's team for your support and time.

I would personally like to thank all of our donors, whose generosity and support has brought immense joy and pride to participants in our programs

2022 has truly been a year of impact and a year to remember for the Sydney FC Foundation. I look forward to working with you in 2023, to change lives one pass at a time

JENNY ABOOD

SYDNEY FC FOUNDATION CHAIR

OUR FOUNDATION DINNER 2022

A NOTE OF THANKS

On behalf of my fellow Board Members and Dinner Committee, I would like to thank everyone who supported and attended our annual Sydney FC Foundation Dinner.

We were overwhelmed by the support we received and are pleased to note that our Powerchair Football Community Program launched in July 2022 and was fully funded by funds raised at the Dinner.

The tag line for our Foundation Dinner is "enriching the lives of our community, one pass at a time" and thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors at our Foundation Dinner, we have already been able to positively impact over 25 families by introducing them to the wonders of powerchair football, through our community program

The Foundation is very grateful to Prezzee Digital Gift Cards, PointsBet, and Fineline Trailers for all their support that made the impact generated by this program possible. You can read all about the Program in this report

At the dinner, it was great to hear from Paralympic Gold Medallist, Maddison De Rozario who gave insights into her experiences with disability community sports programs and the potential impact of our programs

I would also like to thank our Sydney FC Powerchair Team and parents, Jason Ryan and Michelle Ball, both of whom spoke so beautifully to the impact the sport can have and has had on their own lives Their first hand experience has helped us shape the Program that others now enjoy.

Finally, a special thank you to the entire 2022 Foundation Dinner Committee, you truly helped make the event the success it was I am always so grateful for your support.

I cannot wait for next year's event where we will look to grow our disability sports provision - but more on our plans for 2023 at the end of this report!

ALINA BARLOW SYDNEY FC FOUNDATION DEPUTY CHAIR

SYDNEY FC FOUNDATION LAUNCH AUSTRALIA'S FIRST DEDICATED COMMUNITY PROGRAM FOR POWERCHAIR FOOTBALL

In July 2022, Sydney FC Foundation launched the first Community Powerchair Football Program of its kind The Program is funded by the generosity of the donors and sponsors from the Sydney FC Foundation Dinner earlier in the year.

Following its launch, we delivered three holiday clinics introducing 25 players and their families to the sport of powerchair football.

Clinics were held across various venues in Sydney, including Valentine Sports Park, Johnny Warren Sports Centre and Five Dock Leisure Centre allowing participants to come to us from all over NSW.

As part of the Program, we were able to provide the necessary equipment, a dedicated care assistance team, and coaching required at each individual clinic for participants to get the full Powerchair Football experience – all free of charge to each participant

As well as receiving a Sydney FC kit for the clinic, participants were joined by Sydney FC superstars past and present including Alex Brosque, Rhyan Grant, Jaiden Kucharski and Charlotte McLean.

Haley and Mitch McLean’s daughter, Ruby, took part in the inaugural Powerchair Football Holiday Program in July

“The Sydney FC Foundation Powerchair Clinic did not disappoint,” said Haley. “I’ve got so many thoughts and emotions that are impossible to articulate, the whole clinic has been so well done, Ruby had an absolute ball."

Mitch added: “To watch Ruby play and interact with others and not be seen as her disability, but instead as the ray of sunshine she is, is just beyond words."

After just two days, Ruby was quick to tell everyone in attendance she had “found her team” in Sydney FC and that she had also “found her friends” thanks to the sport.

Sydney FC Powerchair Head Coach

Jason Ryan, who led the three holiday clinics said, “I had such a great time delivering the Program. Watching everyone engage with the football and each other is so rewarding "

"I HAVE FOUND MY TEAM. I HAVE FOUND MY FRIENDS!" PROGRAM PARTICIPANT, RUBY McLEAN

3

VENUES ACROSS SYDNEY

25

FAMILIES POSITIVELY IMPACTED

We are very fortunate to have three fantastic Supporting Partners of our Powerchair Football Community Program in Prezzee, PointsBet and Fineline Trailers.

After attending our October holiday clinic, CEO of Supporting Partner Prezzee, Jamie Samaha said, “our mission is to share the ‘gift of magic’, and it was incredible to share the gift of football with a group of inspirational young people and their families.”

PointsBet, enabled the Program to host its first 'adults only' clinic of the program in November Following the clinic, PointsBet Head of Stakeholder Relations, Nathan Hinde said: "At PointsBet, we were proud to partner with the Sydney FC Foundation to bring Powerchair Football to the community."

18

DAYS OF POWERCHAIR FOOTBALL DELIVERED

$0

COST TO ALL PARTICIPANTS

"Our business is built on innovation and a love of sport, so the opportunity to help bring the wonderful world of football to a new group of participants was one we could not pass up,” he added

Fineline Trailers made travelling to different venues possible by helping to design and build Sydney FC Foundation with its own bespoke trailer to transport their powerchairs and equipment

Fineline Trailers, Company Director, Brent Coghlan, said: “we are excited to be involved in this joint project with Sydney FC Foundation and we hope the new trailer will be instrumental in helping Sydney FC Foundation promote and grow the sport ”

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS WHO HAVE PROUDLY SUPPORTED THIS INITIATIVE:

To celebrate International Day of Persons with Disability on Saturday 3 December, Sydney FC Foundation collaborated with Allianz Stadium and I’MPossible to give over 60 people with a disability the ultimate Allianz Stadium and Sydney FC matchday experience.

Attendees from all over Sydney and NSW took part in the unique experience We welcomed people of all ages with our youngest being 6, all the way up to our oldest participant at 66 years old.

Wanting to create a full Sydney FC matchday experience, the Foundation treated participants to a pre-event locker room experience, Sydney FC playing kit followed by a run out on to the field through the tunnel and an afternoon of fun and games on the beautiful Allianz Stadium turf.

Speaking about they day, Foundation Chair, Jenny Abood said, “we have seen the need to help children and adults of all abilities so they can enjoy the beautiful game of football ”

"The looks on participants faces as they ran on to the field to massive rounds of applause was absolutely fabulous,” she added

Nathan Teong, father of participant George said:

"It was just phenomenal. The opportunity to get out there to play on and see the new stadium was great.”

“George loved every minute of it,” he added

"THE LOOKS ON PARTICIPANTS FACES AS THEY RAN OUT ON TO THE FIELD WAS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS" FOUNDATION CHAIR, JENNY ABOOD

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY, PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY SYDNEY FC FOUNDATION

68

PARTICIPANTS

66

AGE OF YOUNGEST PARTICIPANT

On his own experience, George, aged 6, said “football has always looked fun to play. I really enjoyed playing at the stadium.”

Sydney FC Foundation would like to thank Allianz Stadium for their support in making this event a reality.

Sydney FC Foundation was delighted to partner with I’MPossible to deliver football and fitness activity at this event for all participants. I’MPossible is a life changing program for young people with a disability

AGE OF OLDEST PARTICIPANTS

DIFFERENT DISABILITIES CELEBRATED

The number of people who experience significant disability is growing, driven by increased number of people with noncommunicable diseases, who are also living longer and ageing with limitations in functioning

On this Day, World Health Organisation, WHO calls for other partners around the world to deliver innovative and transformative solutions to achieve health for all.

Sydney FC Foundation looks forward to celebrating this day again in 2023

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS WHO HAVE PROUDLY SUPPORTED THIS INITIATIVE:

SYDNEY FC FOUNDATION LOOKS

TO

KEEP TEENAGE GIRLS PLAYING SPORT WITH NEW GRASSROOTS PILOT PROGRAM, SHE CAN

Sydney FC Foundation has launched a new program, She Can. She Can aims to break down barriers to playing sport faced by teenage girls across the country.

In the final school term of 2022, fourteen pupils from Illawarra Sports High School took part in the first iteration of She Can, tackling topics such as confidence, leadership, menstruation, body image and relationships.

Sydney FC Foundation’s She Can program was developed using research* that investigates why young

girls aged 11-17 in Australia have lower retention rates in sport when compared to males of the same age.

She Can comprises both practical and theory elements to equip participants with skills and a better understanding of their own support networks so that barriers to participation can be overcome as they arise. We want to help girls continue playing their sport of choice.

* Independent research conducted by Snapcracker Research in 2019.

Sydney FC’s Premium Partner, Under Armour supported the Program by providing participants with a sports bra each to use during (and after) the Program

“Buying and identifying a sports bra amongst such a wide range can be overwhelming for young girls and has been identified as a barrier to participation, so to have Under Armour’s support in this way is fantastic,” said Foundation Manager Alex Reilly.

“The girls were excited to try on and wear a sports bra that fits and that they could play sport while feeling comfortable. Thank you to Under Armour for their support ”

“It was great to watch the girls take part in the She Can Program this term,” said Amy Child, Director of Sport at Illawarra High School.

“They got stuck in and opened up about some topics that are really important to young girls in sport,” she added.

One participant said: “She Can has allowed me to open up and talk to the girls about things I wouldn’t normally talk about.”

Another participant said: “I have also been able to learn more about who to talk to if I have issues with different things that might put me off taking part in sport.”

Foundation Chair, Jenny Abood is proud to be launching the She Can program. “Sydney FC is a club known for supporting and developing champion women footballers. We are proud of what our women have achieved over the last 15 years and will be aiming to grow this program to impact hundreds more girls in 2023."

SYDNEY FC FOUNDATION & THE STAR PARTNER TOGETHER TO DELIVER MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

Working together across the 2022-23 ALeague Season, we are delighted to be partnering with The Star to provide truly iconic and memorable experiences to Members, fans, and community contributors of the Sky Blue Family.

Foundation Chair, Jenny Abood is very excited about the partnership

“We are honoured to be partnering with The Star to deliver a program that celebrates and rewards individuals who make a difference in our community, ” she said.

“Thank you to The Star for their support and generosity to help change lives, one pass at a time,” she added.

“The Star is a proud member of the Sydney community, a long-term partner of Sydney FC and honoured to be part of the Sydney FC Foundation Memorable Experiences program,” said Mr Scott Wharton, CEO of The Star Sydney.

We have so many truly committed Members and fans of our great Club that also give so much to improve our community

The Sydney FC Foundation is excited to be able to recognise some of these individuals through this partnership and provide them with a gameday experience they will never forget.

As part of the program, we were delighted to be able to deliver the first experience to Sydney FC Powerchair Head Coach Jason Ryan and his wife Belinda.

Jason was chosen for this experience for his work and immense commitment to developing the sport of Powerchair Football both for Sydney FC’s Powerchair Team, Sydney FC Foundation’s Community Powerchair Program and now also as Chair of NSW Powerchair Football.

His passion for the sport of Powerchair and to see as many disadvantaged young people have access to the sport is unrivalled.

The impact Jason has delivered to numerous individuals and families is immeasurable. He is one of the most selfless people you could ever meet and is the perfect example of what a recipient of this program looks like.

Jason and his wife Belinda were treated to a weekend of premium hospitality at The Star that included a two night stay, dinner at The Star’s Black, Bar & Grill with Sydney FC’s Paulo Retre and surprise lunch with members of the Sydney FC Powerchair team at Flying Fish ahead of the first Sydney Derby at the new Allianz Stadium

The couple were then given a private, behind the scenes tour of Allianz Stadium before enjoying the pre-match activities in Sydney FC’s Tunnel Club hospitality function.

The surprises didn’t end there, as following a pre-game meet and greet with Head Coach Steve Corica and members of Sydney FC’s match day squad, Jason was invited to execute the Sydney Derby coin toss pre-game.

After watching the first half, Jason was then invited to the Sydney FC coaches analysis box to watch the second half from there.

Finally, Jason and Belinda joined Sydney FC players, staff and family in our inner sanctum, post-match function before heading back to The Star to round out their weekend experience. "The whole weekend was amazing," said Jason.

"So many things to remember - from the fantastic accommodation at The Star, to dinner with Paulo! "Being able to deliver the coin toss at the first Sydney Derby in the new stadium is something I will never forget."

"Almost certainly a once in a life time experience."

"We are so grateful to the amazing people at Sydney FC and The Star for the experience. My wife and I had an amazing time," he added.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS WHO HAVE PROUDLY SUPPORTED THIS INITIATIVE:

"BEING ABLE TO DELIVER THE COIN TOSS AT THE FIRST SYDNEY DERBY AT THE NEW STADIUM IS SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FORGET." EXPERIENCE RECIPIENT, JASON RYAN

In August, North Ryde Golf Club played host as Club Legends Alex Brosque and David Carney captained two of our 17 teams on the day.

Joined by 80 other guests, Brosque, Carney and Sydney FC CEO Adam Santo gave insights into the upcoming season and their thoughts on what impact Sky Park, Sydney FC's new Centre of Excellence will have once complete mid-2023.

The Foundation would like to thank its event sponsors Matrium Technology,

SNAP Rockdale, North Ryde RSL, Dynamic Learning Services, Tech Specialist, Paynter Dixon and Sky Blue Stories Podcast for their support of our inaugural Foundation Golf Day.

We would also like to thank both Alex Brosque and David Carney for their support and leadership in captaining to of our teams.

The event was won by event sponsor Dynamic Learning Services!

In addition to the Golf Day, the Foundation launched a unique fan engagement campaign Stadiums for Ants. Stadiums for Ants is a season long raffle where all can enter for their chance to win a premium, hand-crafted 3D model of Allianz Stadium Tickets begin at $10 and the winner will be drawn at the end of the 2022-23 A-League Season. You can still buy tickets by scanning the QR code below.

SHIRTS WON

December saw two different other fundraising campaigns for the Foundation. The first was our Match Worn Shirt Auction. The auction coincided with Sydney FC's A-League Men team wearing their new Sunset strip for the first time as well as securing the team's first competitive home win in the new Allianz Stadium. We were excited to see bids and participa come in from fans all over the world and are happy 23 shirts will take pride of place in their new homes.

December's second campaign, the last of the year for the Foundation, saw the return of Sky Blue Santa Hats with over 1000 sold at the Sydney FC vs. Macarthur Bulls Christmas Eve fixture at Allianz Stadium.

THANK YOU FROM THE SYDNEY FC FOUNDATION

THE FOUNDATION IS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORTED, SPONSORED OR DONATED TO OUR MISSION IN 2022

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

Sydney FC

Allianz Stadium

I'MPossible

SPONSORS

PointsBet

Prezzee

Fineline Trailers

The Star

Matrium Technologies

Tech Specialist

North Ryde RSL

Dynamic Learning Services

Paynter Dixon

SNAP Rockdale

Sky Blue Stories

City Tattersalls Club

SKY PARK DONORS & LOCKER ROOM CLUB

Pirtek Australia

Jon Wilkie

NB3

SYDNEY FC FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS

Jenny Abood

Alina Barlow

Michael Crismale

Justin Levis

Helena Dorczak

Joshua Penn

SYDNEY FC FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR

Alex Brosque

MACQUARIE PARK TASK FORCE

Bradley Crismale

Stephanie Brantz

Tony Abboud

Rob Wilkinson

DONORS

Thank you to every single person and business that made a donation to the Sydney FC Foundation in 2022, your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated by both the Sydney FC Foundation and it’s beneficiaries

FOUR THINGS FOR 2023 & HOW TO SUPPORT US

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF 2022, WE HAVE LOTS PLANNED FOR 2023. HERE ARE JUST A FEW WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED.

1

3 ALL ABILITIES

After the impact we have seen through our Community Powerchair Football Program and our International Day of Persons with Disability celebrations, we are looking to expand our disability sports provision.

At the third annual Sydney FC Foundation Dinner, we will be raising funds to launch disability sports programs in both schools and the local community!

With your support, we hope to positively impact the lives of over 1500 young people with a disability by the end of 2024.

2 SKY PARK CAMPAIGN

As Sydney FC and the Foundation prepare to move into their new home and Centre of Excellence, Sky Park, the Foundation is excited to share ways Members, fans and businesses alike can entrench their name and support in the facilities history

WOMEN'S WORLD CUP LEGACY

Building on our She Can pilot program and the excitement and attention on the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in mid-2023, we are looking forward to continuing our work in the grassroots female space, empowering young girls through football and supporting the creation of an elite youth pathway for females at Sydney FC.

4 FOLLOW US & GET IN TOUCH

If you would like to get involved in with the work of the Sydney FC Foundation then we would love to hear from you.

email: foundation@sydneyfc.com instagram: @sydneyfcfoundation

All donations made to the Sydney FC Foundation are fully tax deductible and will be accompanied by a tax deductible receipt, provided by the Australian Sports Foundation.