Organisers of an eight-day football-for-good festival in Sydney are inviting applications from young female leaders who want to represent Aotearoa New Zealand.
The festival has vacancies for up to four delegates from New Zealand, who will join more than 60 others from 30 countries.
Director of Festival 23 Anne Bunde-Birouste, who is the founder and CEO of Australian not-for-profit Football United, says the festival is the ideal opportunity for delegates to combine participation at the festival with FIFA Women’s World Cup action.
“The festival runs during the quarter-finals stage of the tournament, and gives delegates the chance to enjoy watching football while working together to find ways that football can help improve people’s lives,” she says.
Main photo: Festival director Anne Bunde-Birouste.
The festival will take place at the Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen.
Festival 23
What it is
Festival 23 is an eight-day football-for-good event to be held in Sydney from August 6-14, 2023, to coincide with the quarter-final stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
It will be attended by 70 delegates from 30 countries, all of whom will be young female leaders (aged 18-30).
The programme
Driven by youth leadership and global sustainable goals, Festival 23 will set in motion a legacy embedding localised long-term development through leadership training, capacity-building workshops, cultural exchange, Fair Play Football Festival and community engagement activities that drive inclusion and well-being for all.
What the festival aims to achieve
We will inspire society to embrace values of equity and the inclusive spirit of women’s football and celebrate the potential of football to not just benefit the lives of athletes but to build the capacity of young people to advocate on important issues such as employment, social cohesion, inclusion, gender equity and climate action.
Costs
Creating Chances and Football United will organise and cover the costs of delegates’ accommodation and meals and will arrange transport to and from the airport.
All other costs, including flights, travel/health insurance and visa, will need to be covered by the attendee.
Criteria
Young leaders applying must meet the following criteria:
- Between the ages of 18 and 30.
- Identify as a woman.
- Be engaged within a football for good organisation, as a volunteer or staff member.
- Have experience in coaching or facilitating football for good activities.
- Have overcome challenges and a lack of opportunities to assume responsibility in their community.
How to apply
Please complete the online application form by Friday June 30.
As well as completing the form, you will need to upload the following a reference letter from your organisation recommending you to the programme.
How will applications be evaluated?
All applications will be evaluated to the following criteria:
- Young leader meets the basic application criteria (age, gender, language skills, etc.).
- Experience of the young leader in football for good, including coaching.
- Motivation of the young leader.
- Potential contribution of the young leader to Festival 23.
- Expected learnings for the young leader and the impact on the organisation.
More information
Download a festival information pack here:
READ MORE: Festival 23 website – a lasting social legacy for young people across the world >>>>
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