$15m funding boost for grassroots sports projects

By SANFL Media

Community football clubs across the State are a step closer to kicking off much-needed facility upgrades after securing grants in the first round of the State Government’s Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball Facility Program.

A total of 20 sporting clubs will share in $15 million in funding provided through the grassroots program for various infrastructure projects, including unisex changerooms facilities to accommodate increasing participation in female football.

The new funding program, announced in October 2018, has been made possible through a $6 million contribution from the Office of Sport, Recreation and Racing, AFL, Cricket Australia, SANFL and SACA, while a further $9 million will be contributed by local councils, sports clubs and the Federal Government.

The AFL’s contribution is in support of its vision to grow football participation in South Australia.

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard MP last week announced the successful applicants in the first round of funding.

SANFL CEO Jake Parkinson said a “once in a generation” growth in female participation in football since the inception of the AFLW, SANFL Statewide Super Women’s League and new regional women’s leagues had created an urgent need to develop new and existing facilities across the State.

Mr Parkinson said over 90 per cent of changerooms in SA were non-compliant for female football and umpiring participants, with an estimated $160 million investment needed to improve facilities.

“By partnering with the State Government, SACA and Netball SA, we can continue to increase participation in football with an emphasis on inclusion and diversity through the development of quality, well-designed shared-use facilities,” Mr Parkinson said.

The list of successful Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball applicants for Round one can be found here.

Applications for the next round of funding open in July, more details available on the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing website.

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Pictured above: Woodville West Torrens FC players and club representatives are joined by SANFL, SACA, Netball SA and City of Charles Sturt representatives at the handover of a cheque for $288,300 from Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing Corey Wingard through the Grassroots Funding progam. The funding will go towards the club’s new modular unisex changerooms at Eastern Parade Reserve, Ottoway.