A groundbreaking Australian program designed to strengthen the bond between fathers and their daughters while tackling gender stereotypes has now positively impacted the lives of more than 7000 participants, with ambitions for massive global expansion.
A Bond Forged Through Sport and Play
The Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program, founded at the University of Newcastle in 2014, uses fun games, sports skills, and rough-and-tumble play to create unique bonding time. For Jamie Graham from Kotara, participating with his now seven-year-old daughter Josie was a priceless opportunity.
"My son and I did the football program about five years ago," Mr Graham said. "I wanted to make sure Josie and I had the opportunity to do it together as well."
While Josie learned soccer skills like drag-back turns before joining a team, her father highlighted a greater benefit. "She learnt drag-back turns and other bits and pieces. But the best thing for us was our relationship," he shared. "She really appreciated having some dad and daughter time."
Evidence-Based Success with Global Reach
Program founder Professor Phil Morgan explained that the initiative began with research trials to establish solid evidence for its approach. It provides what he calls "a solution to problems that girls and families face," combining physical activity with lessons in parenting, social skills, and critical thinking to address unconscious gender bias.
The program's success has seen it evolve far beyond its Hunter Valley origins. "We've run it overseas in schools, councils, workplaces, domestic violence prevention groups and multicultural services," Professor Morgan stated. It has also spawned sports-specific variants in partnership with major organisations, including cricket, basketball, football, cycling, and most recently, golf with Golf Australia.
Hundreds of University of Newcastle student teachers have gained practical experience delivering the program, which is also supported by a partnership with the NSW Office of Sport.
Sustained Impact and National Recognition
The initiative's compelling, long-term results were confirmed by follow-up research with families eight years after their participation. "The positive effects were sustained and compelling," Professor Morgan emphasised. "It's not a flash in the pan with short-term benefits."
Research shows the program delivers multifaceted improvements:
- For daughters: Enhanced social and emotional wellbeing, along with improved physical skills and confidence.
- For fathers: Measurable improvements in mental health.
- For families: Stronger relationships and strategies to recognise and overcome gender inequities.
This proven impact led to the program receiving national acclaim in November 2025, winning the "outstanding engagement for research impact" category at the Engagement Australia Excellence Awards. Professor Morgan described the win as a career highlight, affirming the university's goal to make a tangible difference in communities.
With 7000 participants already involved, Professor Morgan has a bold vision for the future. He believes the program's global relevance means participation could be "100 times that in 10 years." As he puts it, "The journey is just beginning."
