$6m funding boost to kick off 12 community sports projects

By SANFL Media

Community sports clubs across the State are set to kick off much-needed facility upgrades totalling $27 million in project value as a result of the State Government’s Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball Facility Program.

The State Government today announced it will immediately inject $6 million into 12 facilities projects as part of the second round of grassroots funding grants.

Work will commence over the next six months and include projects such as construction of family friendly changerooms, lighting upgrades and playing surface improvements for clubs in both metropolitan and regional areas.

Announcing the successful applicants today, Minister Corey Wingard said that in light of COVID-19 and its impact on sport, it was now more important than ever to invest in the future of South Australian sport so it could emerge stronger on the other side.

“By getting these projects started, we’re giving these venues the best chance to bounce back from this pandemic by attracting more community sports participants,” Minister Wingard said.

“The aim of the Grassroots Program remains the same – to develop core infrastructure which increases participation through the development of good quality, well designed and utilised facilities.

“We’re excited to see the outcomes of round two where a $6 million investment will contribute to more than $27 million in project value.”

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Jake Parkinson welcomed the State Government’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports facilities and said he was thrilled the program had been extended to a third round of funding worth a further $5 million, especially at this challenging time for clubs across State.

“This is a unique collaborative multi-sports approach to facilities funding with the State Government, enhanced by commitments from local government. As a result, we are better positioned to ensuring the future sustainability and success of community football clubs through much-needed quality, well-designed shared-use facilities,” Mr Parkinson said.

“The AFL’s contribution to this funding program also underpins its vision to support and continue the great growth in South Australian football participation which we’ve enjoyed in recent years.

“Facility development enhances participation and helps retain valuable volunteers, providing a healthy and vital connection for communities.”

Under the funding program, the majority of clubs and councils who apply are required to contribute at least 50 per cent of the project costs and need to work with the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, SANFL, SACA and Netball SA to produce the best application possible.

Applications for round three of funding through the Grassroots Football, Cricket, and Netball Facility Program, worth $5 million, are now open until Thursday, April 30.

1.  Adelaide Hills Council $490,000
   To redevelop and upgrade two existing change rooms to unisex, construct two new unisex change rooms in a second storey to be added to the building, and to upgrade the cricket nets, at Heathfield Oval, Heathfield.
2. Adelaide University Sports Association $675,000
   To install new modular unisex change room facilities at the Adelaide University West Beach Playing Fields, West Beach.
3. Alexandrina Council $800,000
   To construct a new comprehensive modular multi-purpose community sporting facility, including four unisex change rooms, community spaces, player and spectator amenities, umpire and official areas, administrative spaces, and storage at the Goolwa Oval Sporting Precinct, Goolwa.
4. Cherry Gardens Ironbank Recreation Ground $255,000
   To install new modular unisex change room facilities, including umpires change rooms, medical rooms and an operable wall to allow the space to also be used for active recreation, at the Cherry Gardens Ironbank Recreation Ground, Cherry Gardens.
5. City of Tea Tree Gully $335,000
   To redevelop change rooms and amenities to unisex at Tea Tree Gully Sportsman’s Club, Banksia Park.
6. Corporation of the City of Campbelltown $245,000
   To assist in the construction of a new community pavilion including unisex change rooms at Max Amber Reserve, Paradise.
7. Corporation of The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters $490,000
   To redevelop and upgrade existing change rooms, and construct new unisex change rooms incorporating umpires change rooms, at Payneham Oval, Payneham.
8. Henley Football Club Incorporated $450,000
   To install new sports flood lighting at the Henley and Grange Memorial Oval and at Henley High School, Henley Beach.
9. Mid Hills Netball Association $99,000
   To resurface six courts, and upgrade to compliant LED sports lighting on courts 1-12, at the Mid Hills Netball Association, Woodside.
10. The Barossa Council $881,000
    To redevelop and upgrade existing change rooms to unisex, construct two new unisex change rooms, install a new junior oval, upgrade community spaces and install new cricket nets at the Angas Recreation Park, Angaston.
11. The Clare Sports Club $880,000
    To construct a new unisex change room facility including umpires rooms, medical rooms, a function centre, outdoor spectator seating, and viewing areas at the Clare Oval Sporting Precinct, Clare.
12. Victoria Park Jamestown Management Committee $400,000
    To construct new unisex change rooms at the Victoria Park Community Sporting Hub, Jamestown.