Narrabeen FC Building Blocks Toward Equality
Narrabeen Football Club’s Boondah Reserve has secured a $150,000 grant from The NSW Football Legacy Fund – Round 2.
Partnering with the Northern Beaches Council, the funds will be used to expand and upgrade amenities, introducing gender-neutral change rooms and female-friendly amenities.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, this initiative reflects a commitment to boosting women and girls’ participation in football, creating an inclusive and welcoming space at the club.
In 2023, Narrabeen FC attained a commendable 32% female participation rate, surpassing the state average of 25%. Demonstrating their commitment to supporting female footballers, the current project serves as a clear statement of intent. It signifies Narrabeen FC’s readiness to foster and advance the growth of women’s football, highlighting their dedication to inclusive facilities and promotion of the sport.
In addition, the canteen is undergoing a transformation to enhance functionality. The aim is to create a more enjoyable game day experience. Canteens are a valuable piece of infrastructure providing a dedicated income for all community clubs.
This project goes beyond addressing Narrabeen FC’s immediate requirements. A notable aspect is the inclusion of fully accessible public toilets, ensuring that the amenities not only undergo refurbishment but also adhere to accessibility principles. The focus is on establishing a practical and essential public asset that benefits the wider community.
Club president Rocky Giles has commented on the project “We take immense pride in the increasing participation of females in our club. We are pleased to have projects such as this one to ensure a secure and inclusive environment, enabling all participants to relish their football experience with us”.
The project is aligned with the fundamental pillars of the NSW Football Infrastructure strategy, which seeks to recognise and address gaps in football sporting facilities. Specifically, it aligns with key pillars such as enhancing existing venue capacity, inclusive football facilities, and planning for growth and demand.
James Spanoudakis, the Facilities and Grants Officer of the NSW Football Legacy Fund, emphasises the significance of aligning with the strategy. He notes, “The NSW Football infrastructure priorities are crucial as they provide a shared understanding and guide for all clubs in addressing the present and future demands, ensuring they have what is necessary.”
Spanoudakis continued “Narrabeen FC and Northern Beaches Council should be commended for their constant efforts to improve the environment in which football operates”.
NSW Football Legacy Program
The NSW Football Legacy Program is a $10 million investment from the NSW Government. The program seeks to support female football through new community facilities, participation initiatives, development programs as well as tourism and international engagement.
More information about Football Legacy Program can be found here – https://footballnsw.com.au/nsw-football-legacy-programs/ to find out more about NSW Government Legacy Programs.
This web story is by the NSW Government under the NSW Football Legacy Program.
