Regents Park Saints FC Pushes for Women’s Football Legacy Funding
With women’s and girls’ football participation continuing to grow rapidly across New South Wales, grassroots clubs like Regents Park Saints FC are calling for legacy-focused investment to ensure facilities keep pace with demand ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
Regents Park Saints FC has outlined a Wishlist of proposed upgrades to their home ground of Princes Park aimed at supporting the increasing number of women and girls engaging with the game, while strengthening the club’s role as a community hub within the local area.
Participation growth across NSW has placed increasing pressure on grassroots infrastructure, particularly at community venues that were not originally designed to cater for the needs of women and girls. One of the most significant challenges remains the lack of suitable changeroom facilities, with limited privacy identified as a key barrier to participation, retention and long-term engagement.
Football NSW is advocating for legacy investment linked to the 2026 AFC Women’s Asia Cup, with a focus on ensuring community clubs benefit well beyond the event itself. Improving facilities at local grounds is seen as a critical step in creating safe, inclusive and welcoming environments for all participants.
“Grassroots clubs are at the heart of women’s football growth,” Football NSW’s Infrastructure & Club Development Coordinator Lachlan Mainwaring.
“To sustain that growth, we need infrastructure that reflects the modern game and the expectations of players.”
Regents Park Saints FC’s proposal also aligns strongly with the broader legacy ambitions of the tournament, particularly through the club’s deep connections with culturally diverse and Asian communities. The club has long used football as a tool for inclusion, representation and community engagement, values that mirror those of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
As Australia prepares to host Asia’s premier women’s football tournament, Regents Park Saints FC hopes its proposed upgrades will form part of a lasting legacy ensuring more women and girls can access quality facilities, feel supported in their football journey, and remain connected to the game for years to come.
