Football NSW applaud Randwick City Council decision to waive field hire costs
Football NSW today applauded the decision by the Randwick City Council to wave ground hire costs and urged other councils to also do all they can to support football clubs.
In a fantastic move for the sport of football in the Eastern Suburbs area, Randwick City Council led by Mayor Danny Said and Councillor Alexandra Luxford decided that they are waiving ground hire costs for all not-for profit local community sporting clubs with season bookings on their fields for the 2020 season.
This comes off the back of football announcing its return post COVID-19 restrictions in March as local clubs have commenced their training only sessions across the state with July 1st penned as the date Under 18’s and below age groups are set to partake in competitive matches once again.
Luxford, a member of the Council Sports Committee and a staunch football advocate with her father involved with Pan Hellenic now known as Sydney Olympic as well as Kingsford SC, emphasised her strong support in ensuring clubs were given a fair go in what has been a tough period for all involved with the sport financially.
“At the end of March, Council voted on a COVID-19 package that would help to assist the community.
“In doing this, we were able to introduce the refunding and waiving of sporting hire fees for local sporting groups within city.
“At our sports committee meeting last week we were able to give the great news of the fee waiver being extended to September.
“Randwick City is a sporting city that supports all sporting codes.
“One of the things I’m proudest of as a Randwick City Councillor and as someone who has come from a football background, is having the ability to support the local community by the fee waiver so we can get our sports people back on the park.
“Everybody is hurting from the effects of COVID-19, parents and sponsors alike, so this will help the clubs by taking some of the pressure off them and they can concentrate on other aspects of resuming play.”
Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge said, “Well done to Randwick City Council for throwing its support behind supporting the code in what have been testing times for our sport.
“It is critical that councils across the state continue to support their local clubs in assisting to get as many players back on the field as possible.
“Decisions such as this from Randwick City Council go a very long way to assuring our clubs and players are well supported and will continue to provide significant benefit to the community.”
Eastern Suburbs Football Association CEO Bill Kostandas was overwhelmed with the gesture offered by local Council.
“It is fantastic what Randwick City Council have done in waiving field hire for our local community clubs.
“It is a great relief for our Clubs as many have lost revenue through the COVID-19 pandemic and the waiving of ground hire fees will provide much needed relief for these Clubs.
“Randwick City Council always focuses on its community and the benefits it can provide and once again it has come to the fore through its support of our local Clubs.
“Through our local Clubs, Randwick City Council understands that they provide benefit to its local community.
“It’s a great forward-thinking decision made, thank you to Mayor Danny Said, his Councillors and the staff at Randwick City Council for providing this much needed support.”
Football clubs from the Eastern Suburbs applauded the local council’s decision.
“As the largest community football club in Randwick, we applaud the decision by Randwick council to forgo winter fees.
“It ensures we will be able to maintain our fee structure for next year and is a wonderful example of community spirit, in what may prove to be a difficult period for many of our players,” said Maroubra United FC President Ian Robinson.
“During this time of uncertainty, Randwick City Council’s decision to waive field hire for clubs this season ensures we remain a strong presence in the local community. We thank them for this kind gesture and commitment to the viability of community football,” said South East Eagles President Paul Peters.
Coogee United FC President Chris Calverley told Football NSW this decision has assisted greatly in the financial viability for clubs within the Association.
“Coogee United applaud this decision by Randwick City Council to provide much needed financial support to community grassroots clubs in the area.
“The decision demonstrates Randwick City Council is in touch with the needs of its constituents and will help offset lost sponsorship opportunities and keep many community clubs afloat in a difficult economic environment.
“In a post COVID-19 environment, community sport will play a large role in helping people transition back to their normal lives and we again congratulate Mayor Danny Said and his team for putting the community first.”
Dunbar Rovers will certainly benefit following this positive move from Council to assist with keeping football alive and well.
Commercial and Sponsorship Director Matt Delves heaped praise on the decision made by the Randwick City Council.
“It’s a sensational decision by Randwick City Council that provides a real tangible benefit.
“All sporting clubs, including Dunbar Rovers, are struggling financially right now and decisions like this will remove one of the many challenges we face in ensuring our survival.
“Due to COVID-19, our major Fundraising Lunch was cancelled in May and sponsorships have been impacted forcing the club to look at alternative fundraising initiatives.
“Dunbar greatly appreciates the assistance provided by Council and look forward to getting our players back on the pitch.”
Randwick City Councillor Alexandra Luxford
Eastern Suburbs Football Association CEO Bill Kostandas
Dunbar Rovers Commercial and Sponsorship Director Matt Delves
