Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA) are set to transform Harrie Dening Centre with $127,960 from the NSW Football Legacy Fund – Round 1.
The project includes the installation of new drainage and irrigation with the inclusion of water tanks on Field 1 at the home of football in the Shire.
The development at Harrie Dening Centre is part of a wider facilities upgrade valued at over one million which will see one of the first full hybrid pitches installed at the community level.
The funding will provide enhanced facilities to develop, sustain and increase participation in the second largest association in NSW.
The new drainage and irrigation systems will improve the quality of playing surfaces, reducing the field closures, and ensuring that games can be played in all weather conditions.
Mayor Pesce was thrilled about the successful grant.
“Everyone will benefit!”
“We have one of the largest participation bases in the southern hemisphere and you need to live the Shire to actually be registered here. All those kids and everyone in the Shire will benefit.”
President of SSFA Matt brady discussed their strong relationship with council as a key part of the successful funding.
“You can’t not have council on your side. You need to work collaborative with council, local and state government. We have a very strong relationship with our council and councillors.
“The only way we can get this sort of funding, and we have been trying for a long time is through the communication, assistance and guidance that council and state government provide to us”.
The project is a significant achievement for the SSFA, and the local football community as a whole. The association has a long history of delivering high-quality facilities and programs, and the completion of this project is a testament to its commitment to providing the best possible football experiences for its members.
The project at Harrie Dening will maximise the safety and increase the carrying capacity of Field 1, a key feature of the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – increasing existing venue capacity.
Legacy Fund Grants and Facilities Officer, James Spanoudakis weighed in on the project.
“Sutherland Shire Football Association have consistently had a strong female participation base. In 2023, 34% of the participants in the Shire are females, well above the 25% state average.
“The allocated funding into the region is a well-deserved reward for SSFA’s efforts and consistency in catering for their participants, particularly the current 6,200+ female footballers enjoying their football week in, week out in the Shire”.
The infrastructure developments at Harrie Dening will give SSFA the ability and confidence to cater for the large female numbers today and even more females in the future.
About the Legacy Fund Participation and Infrastructure Grants
The NSW Government recently announced a $3.1 million investment into more than 100 grassroots football projects across the state to help improve facilities and run programs to boost player participation as part of the NSW Football Legacy Fund.
The investment is intended to broaden female player options and increase participation opportunities, whilst enhancing football facilities and supporting infrastructure. This fund also aims to assist clubs in developing football programs at all levels through the construction or upgrading of community facilities, leadership, and development initiatives.
As Australia prepares to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, strengthening the football community in NSW is key to matching the unprecedented level of interest in female football. The NSW Football Legacy Fund seeks to ensure it has the facilities and programming to match the buzz that the FIFA World Cup is generating for Australia’s next generation of future Matilda’s.
More information about the NSW Football Legacy Fund is available here.
