Valentine Sports Park played host to Football NSW’s third annual Football Facilities Forum as over 120 members of the football family including 35 Local and State Government representatives took part in presentations, panel discussions and shared their experiences on a wide variety of facilities topics.

As the grassroots playing numbers continue to grow close to 300,000 players across NSW, the demand for quality facilities and particularly synthetic playing surfaces continues beyond the current supply.

Topics included the development of Women’s Football and the need for facilities investment as championed by Matildas head coach Alen Stajic. The Matildas coach outlined the rapid rise of women’s football and highlighted the important role improved facilities played in the development of the sport from grassroots right through to the elite scene.

Other agendas included were sessions on the NSW Asian Cup 2015 Legacy Fund, Business planning, the Community Building Partnership, ClubGrants Category 3, Synthetic field case studies and Turf Management as well as sessions on engagement with Federal, State and Local government presented by The Hon. Craig Laundy, MP for Reid, Matt Kean, MP for Hornsby and Michael Regan.

Local councils were represented with the Hon. Craig Laundy, Matt Kean and Michael Regan at the Football Facilities Forum. 

The forum highlighted the importance football – whether winter outdoor, summer competitions or indoor – plays in local communities and the social, health and economic impact on the State’s economy.

The integral partnership between grassroots Football Clubs and Associations with their Local Councils and the vital part State and Local Governments play in the continual investment in community sporting facilities was emphasised.

Football NSW’s CEO Eddie Moore was overwhelmed with the outcome the Football Facilities Forum provided to all in attendance.

 “Football NSW has made a significant investment in leadership, knowledge sharing, advocacy and support of our membership in this key area of our game. Our Facilities Department has had a huge year, helping our members continue their upgrades to its respective facilities.

“This year’s attendance reflects the importance and demand for quality football facilities and the key role Local and State Government plays in developing the infrastructure to meet the future needs of Football.”

Presentations from a number of leading synthetic field experts which included Smart Connection’s Martin Sheppard took place with Greenplay, HG Sports Turf, Polytan and Turf One all offering their knowledge on the latest in synthetic surfaces.

OFFICIAL FOOTBALL FACILITY WEBSITE http://www.footballfacilities.com.au/