$3M on offer for footy facilities in SA

August 7, 2025

A further $3 million will be injected into local footy facilities projects as part of the latest round of grants from the $8 million SA Football Facilities Fund.

The SANFL, State Government and AFL announced today that round three of the groundbreaking funding program was now open for applications, with grants of up to $300,000 for major transformational projects on offer.

A new category of grants will assist with fast-tracking full precinct upgrades, unlocking new or underutilised green space or enabling projects which provide significant benefit to the football and broader community.

A legacy of AFL Gather Round, the SA Football Facilities Fund has already benefited more than 70 clubs across SA over the past two years, with grants totalling almost $5 million allocated to a wide range of facility projects.

SA Football Facilities Fund grants are open to footy clubs, local councils, umpire associations and schools or tertiary institutions.

SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said a key priority would continue to be funding projects which improve the inclusiveness and capacity of venues, such as changerooms, oval lighting and turf upgrades, as well as supporting infrastructure projects which improve match-day environments.

Mr Chandler said the funding program had already helped with the delivery of community facilities projects with a total value of $46 million to support the growth of football in South Australia.

“In South Australia we now have over 65,000 male and female playing participants in our game, from young Auskickers starting out to senior men and women, as well as over 2,200 umpires,” Mr Chandler said.

“The SA Football Facilities Fund is critical in supporting this continuing participation growth and diversity of football in South Australia, to unlock oval capacity and create welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone involved in our game.

“Thanks to this successful collaboration with the AFL and State Government, we have ensured that AFL Gather Round leaves a long-lasting legacy for our clubs, players, umpires, volunteers and broader communities right across South Australia.”

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Emily Bourke MLC said the goal off the back of Gather Round was clear – to broaden the benefits to community sporting clubs and inspire more young people to get active.

“This record round of funding will help deliver modern, inclusive and accessible facilities to grow the game and boost participation rates,” Minister Bourke said.

“It’s great to see support from previous rounds turning clubs’ ideas into projects which are now being used by the football and wider community on ovals across the state.”

AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld said he is thrilled to see the introduction of the program’s third round of funding.

“As we strive to grow our game and reach one million participants by 2033, it is important that we have the facilities to support local footy clubs in creating inclusive and high-quality spaces for their community,” Mr Auld said.

“It has been fantastic to see the positive impact the SA Football Facilities Fund has made to date, giving community clubs assistance and the opportunity to make transformational upgrades to their facilities.

“I’d like to thank Premier Malinauskas and SANFL CEO, Darren Chandler for their ongoing work and cannot wait to see the additional projects that will come from round three of the groundbreaking funding program.”

Reynella Football Club has already reaped the benefits of the funding program, working with the City of Onkaparinga who received a grant in round one for $75,000 towards new oval lighting for the club.

“This grant has allowed us to replace decades-old lights and supports our female players and juniors to train at night,” said Club President Sis Inthavong.

“We’re seeing more people come to our games over the weekend and it means we can utilise the oval to its full potential for the whole community.

“My message to other clubs is to get organised and apply and set yourself up to deliver a project for future generations.”

Applications for grants in round three of the SA Football Facilities Fund can be submitted from today. For more information about the fund and how to apply, visit www.sanfl.com.au/safacilitiesfund

Round three will remain open until early December, with successful applicants to be finalised in early 2026.