What’s the best way to kick start the 2022 football season? Over $9 million dollars’ worth of infrastructure upgrades is the prefect start.
Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres recently announced the successful recipients of the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund and Regional Sport Facility Fund – Round 2 with over $45 million distributed for local sporting organisations.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the funding is a welcome reward for NSW sporting organisations.
“This is about recognising the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy, active and connected,” Mr Ayres said.
“New and improved sporting facilities help to support greater participation and performance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, in all sports and at all levels”.
Thirteen (13) Football NSW venues totalling just shy of $10 million were announced, including new amenity buildings, significant field refurbishments, and lighting upgrades.
Nine of the projects are based in the Greater Sydney region, from as far south as Football St George and Blacktown City Football Club in the west among some of the recipients.
Football St George were successful with over half a million dollars going towards field upgrades, accessible facilities, and seating improvements for Scarborough Park North. While Arncliffe Aurora FC also in the St George region receiving $176,200 for an upgrade in lighting.
Gannan Park Masterplan (City of Ryde) received $1,000,000 which will see the construction of a new sportsground amenities building and new football fields for clubs in the North West Sydney Football association.
“North West Sydney Football is a growing football region which can be seen in the registration numbers over the last two years,” said Football NSW Manager Government Relations, Funding and Infrastructure, Daniel Ristic.
“Since the merger of the former Gladesville Hornsby FA and North West Sydney Womens FA the participation base has grown by 10%, all while the world has been managing a global pandemic”.
The Gannan Park project links directly to the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy in particular the pillar of Planning for Growth and Demand.
From the Regional Sport Facility Fund, four football venues received funding with Shoalhaven District Football Association (SDFA) claiming the maximum $1,000,000 amount for the replacement of their amenities building at Ison Park.
Ison Park is the home of the Shoalhaven District Football Association. The proposed upgrade will greatly assist the largest regional association as the area continues to grow in both the winter and summer seasons.
Homes of Football are a key ingredient for all associations across NSW. Homes of Football improve access to football programs, pathways, and development services for the region.
Over the two rounds of the Greater Cities Sports Facility Fund and the Regional Sport Facility Fund football venues have received over $20 million in funding.
“With only 18 months until the FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil, the upgrade in football infrastructure will provide a huge benefit for football clubs in NSW,” Ristic stated.
“Venues will now have the ability to cater for the expected increase in female participation, pre and post the Women’s World Cup,” ended Ristic.
A list of successful projects in Round 2 of both funds can be found via the links below.
Greater Cities Sports Facility Fund – Round 2 recipients
Regional Sport Facility Fund – Round 2 recipients