Written by Le
Monday 24 March 2025
Football, known as soccer in Australia is the world's biggest sport where tactics, skills and passion are significantly involved. Sydney is the home for grassroots clubs to professional clubs, the city is home to football lovers. Whether you're new to the game or a lifelong supporter, here’s everything you need to know about football in Sydney and who to support.
What Is Football?
Football is the game between 11 players in each team, where the goal is to put the ball into the net with no hands allowed.
Key rules:
- Arms and hands are not allowed to touch the ball except for the goalkeeper in their own boxes (the designated rectangle in front each end of the pitch)
- An offside freekick will be rewarded to the opponent team if the players are closer to the opponent’s goal than both the second-last defender and the ball when receiving a pass, unless they are in their own half.
- A free kick is when the players can set up a wall to defend given as the players are fouled anywhere on the pitch. A penalty kick is when there is no wall and in a 11m spot in front of the goal given as the players are fouled in the goalkeeper box.
- A throw in is when the ball gone out of the sidelines with the teams did not touch the ball last get the throw in
- A corner kick is given to a team when the ball is crossed the end line by the other team.
Embrace Sydney's Soccer Culture: The Teams You Need to Know
Sydney FC is the club to know. As one of the most successful teams in the A-League, Sydney FC boasts multiple championships, a passionate fan base, and a rich footballing history.
The Western Sydney Wanderers are a passionate and community-driven club. Founded in 2012, they quickly established themselves as a powerhouse, winning the AFC Champions League in 2014, the only Australian club to do so.
Australia's national teams
The Matildas are Australia’s national women’s football team and one of the most exciting teams in the world! With a dynamic squad and a passionate fan base, the Matildas have made history on the global stage, competing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, AFC Asian Cup, and the Olympics.
The Socceroos, Australia’s national men's football team. Representing the country on the global stage, the Socceroos compete in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the AFC Asian Cup, and international friendlies.
Getting Involved
If you’re keen to play football, Sydney is the go-to city with clubs catering to all skill levels. Whether you want to join a competitive league or play social football, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
For fans, Sydney’s football culture is thriving, with local leagues, sports pubs, and fan clubs ensuring there’s always a way to enjoy the game.
Final Thoughts
Football is a key part of Sydney’s sporting identity. It is the root for football beginners or at any levels to develop their love with many opportunities. Sydney also offers elite professional action from Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, moreover with international excitement with the Socceroos and the Matildas. Whether you support a local club or back the national teams, football in Sydney has something for every fan.