NSW Government helps level the playing field for women’s football
Women’s sport has received a major injection with 26 projects receiving funding through the NSW Government’s $30 million Level the Playing Field Program.
Across NSW, over nine million dollars’ worth of funding (34%) was distributed to the football community from the $28 million that was available.
Football NSW Clubs and Associations received a total of $5.3 million, representing 19% of the total Program (see table below). Additionally, Football NSW was successful in receiving $600,000 funding for upgrades to the futsal stadium and two fields at Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood.
| Club | Venue | Project | Amount |
| All Saints Hunters Hills FC | Gladesville Reserve | New Amenity Building | $1,905,678 |
| Illawarra Stingrays FC | Lakelands Oval | Field, Amenity and Lighting Upgrade | $2,000,000 |
| Southern Tablelands FA | Cookbundoon Sporting Complex | Lighting Upgrade | $872,744 |
The program, which was inspired by the success of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, will fund the construction of new and upgraded sports facilities, including amenities and lighting improvements across NSW.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined Football NSW Chair Gilbert Lorquet, Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas and leading female futsal players at Valentine Sports Park on Monday to announce the Program recipients.
“Female football is bursting at the seams post the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with female participation up 17% year to date,” said Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas.
“The upgrading and improvement of football facilities at Valentine Sports Park will assist in attracting and retaining more females to football as we target 50/50 gender participation.
“Our two infrastructure projects at Valentine Sports Park will encourage a safe and accessible facility that significantly enhances our Home of Football, with an emphasis on creating an inclusive space for women and girls.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper spoke of the impact the Program aims to have on the wider sporting industry.
“The NSW Government is levelling the playing field for women’s sport,” he said.
“By transforming and expanding sports facilities across NSW we are enabling more women and girls to participate in sport.
“But most importantly, we are providing safer, more comfortable and more inclusive facilities, breaking down the barriers that have traditionally prevented many women from participating in sport.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison expressed her delight in seeing such grants handed out to projects aiding in the promotion of women’s sport.
“Sport should be inclusive for people of all ages, genders, and abilities,” said Harrison.
“But we know women face different barriers to men when participating in sport.
“This program delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to creating a level playing field for women at all levels of sport.
“Through projects like the ones announced today, we will enable more women and girls to develop a lifelong love of sport.”
For further information on the Level the Playing Field Program, including the list of funding recipients, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/level-the-playing-field-program
