Australian families searching for an antidote to school holiday screen time and boredom have a perfect solution lined up this summer: a non-stop festival of live football. The A-League's has scheduled a remarkable run of matches, with at least one game being played every single day for over two weeks, starting from Boxing Day.
A Festival Atmosphere for Families
This strategic scheduling turns the holiday period into a continuous opportunity for affordable, active entertainment. A-League's presenter Tara Rushton is among the parents embracing the plan. "Bring on the summer of football, weekday and weeknight games at family-friendly times," Rushton says. She highlights the social aspect, noting her family has fixtures locked in to enjoy with interstate relatives so cousins can experience the action together.
The matchday experience is being transformed into a mini-festival at venues across the country. Clubs are pulling out all the stops to ensure a fun day out, featuring:
- Pre-game activities like face painting, inflatables, and skills clinics.
- Meet-and-greets and autograph sessions with players.
- Food trucks, DJs, and mascot appearances.
New Year's fixtures will add an extra sparkle with post-game fireworks displays, providing a safe and spectacular alternative to late-night celebrations. For many young fans, the highlight is the immersive stadium experience. At grounds like Leichhardt Oval, Spencer Park, and Coopers Stadium, families sit remarkably close to the pitch. This proximity allows kids to hear player calls, feel the match's energy, and see their heroes up close, often getting a high-five or autograph after the final whistle.
Watching Future Matildas and Socceroos Stars
The A-League's offers a unique chance for families to witness the next generation of Australian football stars before they become global names. The connection to the national teams is exceptionally strong. Every single Matilda who played in the 2023 Women's World Cup was developed in the A-League Women, playing an average of 85 games each in the competition. Last season, 22 A-League Women players received Matildas call-ups.
The men's pathway is equally impressive, with 17 Socceroos call-ups coming from the A-League Men last season. Current Socceroos like Craig Goodwin and emerging talents such as Patrick Beach and Al Hassan Toure are showcasing their skills in the domestic league weekly.
Rushton emphasises the power of this visibility for children. "Kids see people who look like them, who grew up in their suburbs, playing professionally. That's powerful," she says. "This is the league where the next Matildas and Socceroos are formed."
Affordable, Accessible Holiday Entertainment
In an expensive holiday period, the A-League's provides genuine value. Affordable ticket packages include hours of pre and post-match entertainment. Logistics are also family-friendly, with most venues:
- Located near public transport.
- Offering easy parking at suburban grounds.
- Featuring open spaces and hills where kids can run around.
The daily fixture list from Boxing Day through early January, including mid-week and late-afternoon kick-offs, provides structure and excitement for the long summer break. Whether it's the big-city buzz of Melbourne's AAMI Park, the historic atmosphere of Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, or the scenic sunsets at Central Coast's polytec Stadium, each venue offers a distinct and memorable family day out centred on live sport.
