Two fields within Macarthur Football Association (MFA) are poised to undergo crucial improvements in 2023, thanks to a generous contribution from the NSW Football Legacy Fund (NFLF) and Campbelltown City Council.
The NFLF’s primary objectives are to enhance football facilities and support infrastructure, expand participation opportunities, and foster better pathways for female players.
Ruse FC and Eschol Park will soon enjoy the benefits of brand-new drainage systems.
Campbelltown City Council has secured an impressive $290,400 (split between 2 grants) in funding to implement comprehensive sand slit drainage systems at Jackson Park and Eschol Park. This development is particularly welcomed by local teams after Sydney received a drenching during the 2022 winter season, severely impacting the ability of football teams to train and compete.
The investment from Campbelltown City Council and the NSW Football Legacy Fund represents a significant step in the right direction, ensuring that venues can accommodate the growing number of participants.
“Drainage is a key issue across NSW, our facility audit data showing that almost half of all fields do not have a drainage system installed”, said Football NSW’s Legacy Fund Grant and Facilities Officer, James Spanoudakis
“Good drainage is a key requirement of a well-maintained grass field and will greatly assist in reducing the number of washed-out training and competition days for males and females of all ages”.
Eschol Park FC is the 4th largest football club in the MFA, with 941 registered participants in 2023. The club has seen a significant increase in participants (22%) in just 12 months clearly showing that covid is well and truly behind us now.
Female participation at Eschol Park has jumped by 13% over the last 12 months as the anticipation grows exponentially for the FIFA Women’s World Cup that is now just a few weeks away.
To meet the rising demand from a home World Cup, Football NSW has implemented an infrastructure strategy, which has assisted clubs in NSW in accommodating this surge.
Campbelltown City Council’s funding towards these field improvements directly aligns with Football NSW’s Infrastructure Pillar of “improving existing venue capacity.” The project aims to ensure that the fields can remain operational even during adverse weather conditions, benefiting multiple teams, especially the continuously expanding women’s program.
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 Matildas.
More information about the NSW Football Legacy Fund is available here.
