Regional clubs rejoice in facility funding

Football NSW venues received over $1 million in funding from the NSW Governments Regional Sport Facility Fund – Round 1.

The NSW Government has committed $50 million to the Regional Sport Facility Fund over two-years, helping create spaces and facilities that enable communities to enjoy and take part in sport.

The fund is designed to assist organisations to develop quality core sport infrastructure that will meet the current and future needs of the community.

The new Minister for Sport Natalia Ward said the projects would keep communities healthy and active while creating a sports infrastructure construction boom.

Two regional association venues received funding, they included Football South Coast and Shoalhaven District Football Association.

Funding was successful for one amenity renewal at Albion Oval and an upgrade in floodlighting at Bernie Regan Sporting Complex.

Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge celebrated the NSW Government’s decision to assist in the upgrade of facilities in Regional NSW.

“I applaud the NSW Government for providing this much needed funding to Regional NSW.

“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in 2023 infrastructure projects such as these will ensure that football is well equipped to cater for the increase in female participants over the few years.

“The funding received supports the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy that was released by Football NSW and Northern NSW Football last year.

“The three projects directly relate to the five key pillars of the strategy, primarily Improving existing venue capacity and Inclusive football facilities.

“Only one in five amenity buildings across NSW are gender neutral.

“In NSW 46% of all playing fields do not have sports lighting or have lighting below 50 lux which is the minimum Australian Standard for training.”

The successfully funded projects will allow players of all abilities, coaches, referees and volunteers to enjoy their football experience well into the future.

A full list of successful recipients from the Regional Sports Facility Fund – Round 1 can be found here.

Applications for Round Two of the Regional Sports Facility Fund will open shortly.

If your club or association is looking to apply for funding in Round Two, please contact Daniel Ristic from the Facilities and Advocacy Unit at Football NSW to discuss your project.

Successful projects were as follows: