Macarthur Bulls reach 28,000 students across 100 schools in a record community season
Free programs put a ball at the feet of tens of thousands of local children – from the classroom to the school holidays to the pathway to the A-League.
Macarthur Bulls FC has capped its 2025/26 season with a community football wrap that puts numbers to what is the football club’s reason for being: creating a genuine connection to families and the community of South West Sydney.
Across the season, the Bulls reached more than 28,000 students through Bulls in Schools, delivered free in 100 schools across 8 local government areas, and ran 230 free holiday clinics for 7,550 children, alongside grassroots activations at all of their 13 home matches.
Delivered by the club’s accredited community coaches, the free, NSW Government-supported Bulls in Schools program introduced students, from Kindergarten to Year 9, to football while building physical literacy, teamwork and confidence, with 77% of sessions delivered in government schools.
The Free Holiday Clinics extended that reach into the school holidays for children aged 5-13, including 2,530 places in girls-only sessions, and a strong focus on CALD, Indigenous and regional communities.
The feedback matched the reach. In post-program surveys, Bulls in Schools received an overall experience rating of 4.88/5. These overwhelmingly positive results were mirrored by families at the holiday clinics.
Macarthur Bulls CEO, Sam Krslovic said:
“Community is at the heart of everything we do at Macarthur FC, and this season the feedback says it all – every single teacher who reviewed our Bulls in Schools program rated it four or five out of five, and every one of them would have us back,” said Mr Krslovic.
“When a teacher tells us we’re inspiring the next generation and making sport inclusive for every child, that’s the whole point. I want to thank our community coaches, our partner schools and clubs, and the NSW Government for backing programs that keep local kids active, confident and connected to their club.”
Feedback from the South West Sydney school community also praised the program, with 100 per cent of teachers surveyed confirming they would re-book or recommend the program.
Feedback from participating schools included:
“The Bulls in Schools program is inspiring the next generation of football players and providing inclusive sport in schools.”
“The staff were amazing, it’s so well run, they’re great with the students and able to differentiate for all abilities and ages. The team always had a smile on their face and worked so hard from start to finish.”
“They (the coaches) adapted the program perfectly so that our students could participate … They are a credit to your (the Bulls) organisation.”
“The children LOVED this program and have already asked me when you (the Bulls) are coming back.”
“An extremely positive experience for both staff and students … it promoted teamwork, confidence and enthusiasm, and students valued learning from such positive role models.”
The programs also connects to the club’s football pathway. Through the Pre-Academy and Junior Bulls program, young players take their first step toward Bulls FC Academy and, ultimately, the club’s A-League squad – a route the club says keeps local talent local.
About Macarthur Bulls FC
Macarthur Bulls FC is South West Sydney’s A-League club, committed to growing football and community in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Its community programs – including Bulls in Schools and Free Holiday Clinics – are delivered in partnership with grassroots clubs, football associations, councils, schools and the NSW Government.
