For many children, watching a World Cup is more than just seeing elite athletes compete on the world stage. It can be the moment they fall in love with the game. For parents, it is an opportunity to spend quality time with their children, create lasting memories and inspire healthy, active lifestyles.

Creating Special Family Moments

There is something unique about watching football as a family. Whether it's staying up for a late-night match, wearing team colours, predicting scores, or celebrating a spectacular goal together, the World Cup creates shared experiences that children remember for years.

These moments help strengthen family connections through:

• Quality time spent together away from daily distractions

• Shared excitement and emotional experiences

• Conversations about teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship

• Learning about different cultures and countries represented at the tournament

• Building traditions around watching football together

For many Australian families, supporting the CommBank Socceroos during a World Cup campaign creates a sense of national pride and belonging. Children see the country united behind one team and learn what it means to represent Australia on the global stage.

Turning Inspiration into Participation

The excitement generated by the World Cup often motivates children to get outside and try football for themselves. After watching their heroes perform incredible skills, make game-changing passes or score memorable goals, many young fans are eager to pick up a ball.

Parents can help keep that enthusiasm alive by:

Playing Together

Football is one of the easiest sports for families to enjoy together. A ball and a small open space are often all that's needed.

Simple activities include:

• Kicking a ball around in the backyard

• Practising passing and shooting

• Creating fun challenges and mini games

• Visiting a local park for a family kick-about

• Watching highlights and trying new skills together

These experiences help children build confidence while creating positive associations with physical activity.

Joining a Coles MiniRoos Program

Community football clubs and the Coles MiniRoos program provide children with opportunities to:

• Make new friends

• Learn teamwork and communication skills

• Develop confidence and resilience

• Improve physical fitness

• Enjoy a safe and inclusive sporting environment

Football offers pathways for players of all abilities and interests, from social participation through to competitive programs.

Celebrating Effort, Not Just Results

One of the most valuable lessons football teaches is that success comes through practice, perseverance and teamwork.

Parents can encourage a lifelong love of the game by focusing on:

• Having fun

• Learning new skills

• Being a good teammate

• Showing respect to officials and opponents

• Enjoying the experience regardless of the result

When children feel supported and enjoy the journey, they are more likely to remain engaged in sport for years to come.

Continuing the Journey with the CommBank Socceroos and CommBank Matildas

While the World Cup may eventually come to an end, the football journey doesn't have to.

Australian families can continue supporting our National Teams throughout the year. Both the CommBank Socceroos and CommBank Matildas continue to inspire millions of Australians through, friendly matches international competitions, qualification campaigns and major tournaments.

Families can stay connected by:

• Attending matches when the teams play in Australia

• Watching games together at home

• Following players and teams online

• Learning more about Australia's football history

• Participating in local football programs and events

The incredible rise of football across Australia has shown the impact national teams can have on young players. Many children who watched the CommBank Socceroos and CommBank Matildas over recent years are now pulling on boots themselves, dreaming of one day representing their club, community and country.

A World Cup Legacy That Lasts

The true legacy of a World Cup is not only measured by goals scored, trophies lifted or records broken; It is also found in the backyard kick-about after the final whistle, the first training session at a local club, and the family memories created while cheering together from the couch.

For Australian families, this World Cup has been a reminder of football's unique ability to bring people together. By continuing to play, support local clubs and follow the CommBank Socceroos and CommBank Matildas, families can ensure that the excitement and inspiration sparked by the tournament continues long after the competition ends.

Because when children discover a love for football, they gain much more than a sport, they gain friendships, confidence, life skills and memories that can last a lifetime.

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