Football NSW attend Federal Parliamentary Friends of Football Launch
On Wednesday 7th of February, Football NSW Chief Executive Stuart Hodge along with other key staff personnel attended the 2018 launch of the Federal Parliamentary Friends of Football at Parliament House in Canberra.
Following the announcement committing the Federal Government to a further $4 million of funding to the FFA’s 2023 FIFA World Cup bid. The night brought together key football supporters from all political parties and members of the football community.
Football NSW’s Peter Hugg, Daniel Ristic and Jas Virdee took the opportunity to discuss key issues with NSW Federal Members of Parliament including Anthony Albanese and John Alexander.
Principally the need to address both the access of quality facilities given particularly recent Federal Government research showing football to be the number one participated team sport in Australia.
Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge was aware of how far this generous contribution would assist with the Women’s World Cup bid.
“Opportunities like this event remind us all of the need to continually reinforce the power of football and what it means to the fabric of Australian society and it is pleasing that politicians are increasingly becoming aware and supportive of our game.
“We are committed to ensuring these benefits flow down to our member associations, clubs and grassroots players.”
In the lead up to the 2019 state and Federal Election, Football NSW intends to do more in this area to ensure all sides of politics are aware of the issues confronting the sport and contribution football plays in the general community in terms of health and economic benefits and the overall need for greater government investment.
A NSW specific Parliamentary Friends of Football Group was established late 2017 with a function to be held at Parliament House, Macquarie street in mid-March.
It is hoped the 2023 Women’s World Cup bid can be used to provide a legacy for the game in particular, for female facilities and the overall growth and development of the women’s game.
