John Moriarty Football looks at online learning during pandemic

Focusing on youth aged 6-16 years, John Moriarty Football (JMF), which opened in Dubbo in July last year, has adapted its program to keep participants up to date during the current crisis.

Following advice from sport, education and health authorities JMF temporarily suspended its in-school and after-school sessions as well as holiday clinics and tournaments.

However, the foundation has taken to social media to deliver its program to local participants, with the launch of Facebook groups to encourage connection between local participants and also share football training plus well-being and nutrition tips and information.

Program manager Jamie Morriss said the team members had worked hard and adapted well to the changes to ensure there were online provisions for schools, families and participants.

"It's week three and we are really starting to see more traction each week as we invite more families and friends in," Morriss said.

"The more time that passes the more people we are able to reach.

"Our programs have been particularly useful for the schools who are using their own platforms to get the content out to their students who are also at home."

The foundation is currently delivering two videos each week with plans to add more.

A skills video provides a challenge for students to work on in their own time at home with a nutritional video later in the week talking about the importance of healthy eating, choosing water and healthy snacks.

"It's something that has kept the students occupied, especially during the school holidays when parents needed something a bit extra to keep their children engaged while they were at home."

Morriss said the online platforms would also continue in some capacity once social distancing restrictions were lifted.

"We are continuing to provide one-on-one support where we can while also looking at peer support training, giving the older children ideas for games they can play with others who are at school as well by creating some football related activities without a coach there."