Football is on the rise across the world, and Australia’s recent success in grassroots participation provides a model that Indonesia can learn from. The 2024 National Participation Report by Football Australia shows a record-breaking 1.9 million participants in the country’s football ecosystem—an 11% increase from the previous year. This growth is driven by a structured grassroots development system, strategic partnerships, and innovative programs such as Club Changer and the Growing Football Fund.
For Indonesia, where small clubs from smaller towns struggle to access regular competition, this model offers valuable insights into how we can make football more accessible, sustainable, and competitive at the grassroots level.
Challenges for Small Clubs in Indonesia
Indonesia has an immense passion for football, but grassroots clubs outside major cities face significant challenges, including:
- Lack of Regular Competitions – Many small-town clubs do not have access to frequent and structured leagues, making player development inconsistent.
- Limited Financial Support – Small clubs struggle with funding for training, facilities, and travel costs.
- Volunteer Shortages – Unlike in Australia, where volunteer engagement has increased by 26%, many Indonesian grassroots clubs rely on limited support.
- Infrastructure & Facilities – Many clubs lack proper training grounds, equipment, and coaching programs to help young players grow.
How Indonesia Can Learn from Australia’s Model
Football Australia’s grassroots expansion proves that with the right investment, structure, and community engagement, football can grow at all levels. Here’s how Indonesia can adopt a similar approach:
1. Establishing Nationwide Club Support Programs
Australia’s Club Changer program has provided structured development support to over 1,000 grassroots clubs. A similar initiative in Indonesia could help small clubs receive training, club management support, and financial guidance to improve long-term sustainability.
2. Expanding Regional Competitions
Indonesia needs consistent and well-structured competitions across all regions, not just in major cities. Many small-town clubs struggle to find regular opponents, meaning young players do not get the game time needed to develop. A national initiative to create regional leagues with cross-city competition formats could help bridge this gap.
3. Increasing Investment in Grassroots Football
Australia’s Growing Football Fund has helped more than 200 community clubs gain access to financial resources. Indonesia needs a similar government-backed or private-funded initiative that provides grassroots clubs with grants, sponsorship opportunities, and funding for youth development.
4. Strengthening Volunteer & Coaching Pathways
Australia has seen a 19% increase in registered coaches and a 26% rise in volunteers. Indonesia needs a structured volunteer recruitment strategy to get more parents, football enthusiasts, and former players involved at the grassroots level. In addition, a national coaching education system should be expanded to ensure young players receive high-quality training from an early age.
5. Building More Football-Friendly School Programs
Football Australia’s Sporting Schools Program has engaged over 158,700 students nationwide, introducing them to structured football activities. In Indonesia, schools in smaller towns often lack proper football programs. Establishing a nationwide school football development initiative could expose more young players to regular football participation.
AIFC’s Role in Supporting Grassroots Growth
At the Australia-Indonesia Football Council (AIFC), we believe that accessible, structured competitions are essential for the future of Indonesian football. Our closest initiative has been supporting the Lakemba Muda club in Indonesia, providing young players with opportunities to grow within a structured football environment.
Looking ahead, we aim to work closely with local footballing authorities to establish more regular, long-term leagues that go beyond short-term competitions lasting only a few weeks. AIFC’s vision is to help create sustainable leagues that give grassroots players consistent match experience, allowing them to develop and progress within the football ecosystem.
The Future: A More Competitive Indonesia
Indonesia has no shortage of talented young footballers, but without a consistent, well-supported grassroots structure, many of them will never reach their full potential. By learning from Australia’s grassroots success, Indonesia can create a more accessible, competitive, and sustainable football ecosystem that benefits players from all backgrounds—from the smallest villages to the biggest cities.
Now is the time to take action. If Indonesia is serious about becoming a football powerhouse in Asia, it must invest in its grassroots clubs, improve competition accessibility, and provide structured pathways for young players to develop. Football is a game for everyone, and with the right support, every Indonesian child should have the opportunity to play and dream.