Round two of footy facilities grants now open

August 21, 2024

By SANFL.com.au

The State Government, SANFL and AFL have today announced the opening of the second round of funding under the $8 million SA Football Facilities Fund.

The groundbreaking three-year funding program – a direct benefit for footy in SA as host State for AFL Gather Round – has already benefited 42 clubs across SA in the first round of grants.

Grants totalling almost $2 million were allocated in April to a wide range of facility projects with a total estimated project value of $19 million.

In round two, a pool of $3.4 million will be available, with more funding earmarked for priority projects such as changerooms, lighting and turf upgrades.

SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said it was pleasing to see a number of projects which received funding in round one had already been completed, with approximately $300,000 in grants distributed since April.

Mr Chandler said the initiative was helping to support the continuing growth and diversity of football in South Australia, with more than 65,000 male and female playing participants and 2,300 umpires across the State in 2024.

“From SANFL clubs to local grassroots community clubs, the fund is already fast delivering projects to enhance the capacity of ovals and, importantly, create welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone participating in our game,” Mr Chandler said.

“Through this exciting partnership with the AFL and State Government we can ensure Gather Round leaves a long-lasting legacy for our clubs, participants, volunteers and broader communities right across South Australia.”

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard MP said she was delighted to see the significant and positive impact round one had on local clubs and participants and encouraged eligible clubs to apply for round two.

“I am so proud that our government is supporting this funding initiative.  Local footy clubs are often at the heart of communities across our state.  This funding helps them to grow the game and welcome more people to be involved and active,” Minister Hildyard said.

“To attract and retain participants, clubs need to be able to improve their facilities and ensure they are inclusive and appropriate – this includes encouraging and empowering more girls and women to engage in sport through the creation of female friendly facilities like suitable changerooms.

“I’m thrilled that Gather Round has delivered an iconic event for our State and will also leave a lasting legacy for all South Australians who want to get involved with their local footy club and enjoy the many physical, mental and emotional benefits and sense of belonging that come with being so.

“For clubs who didn’t apply or missed out in round one, please take the opportunity to apply to potentially benefit from round two of this funding program.”

SA Football Facilities Fund grants are open to footy clubs, local councils, umpire associations and schools or tertiary institutions, with grants of up to $150,000 on offer.

In round one, there were 28 metropolitan/Greater Adelaide and 14 regional projects which were successful in receiving grants, from Lock on the Eyre Peninsula through to Mt Gambier in the Lower South East.

Tumby Bay Football Club’s Josh Cave said the club was already reaping the benefits of its recently completed oval lighting project after being allocated funding through the program.

“The SA Football Facilities Fund grant project of replacing our lights with LEDs has meant a huge amount to our club, it has improved the training environment for our players and we are getting more numbers out to training as a direct result of the new improved lights,” said Mr Cave, who was project co-ordinator for the lighting upgrade.

“We are also getting more and more spectators out of the clubhouse and down on the boundary watching training, all saying how much of an improved viewing experience the new lights provide.

“Plans are well underway for season 2025 to play our first night match for premiership points in 10 years under the upgraded LED lights, and this is when we really think we will see the full playing and spectator benefits from our project.”

Applications for round two of grants through 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 two will remain open until February 5, 2025 with successful applicants to be announced as part of the 2025 AFL Gather Round festivities in April.