In a significant boost to sports infrastructure in the Eurobodalla Football Association and Narooma Football Club, the NSW Football Legacy Fund – Round 1 has allocated $148,940 in grant funding that will be utilized to install irrigation and drainage systems at Dalmeny Oval.
The development of Dalmeny Oval will undoubtedly enhance the playing conditions and create opportunities for all football participants within the region.
Dalmeny Oval, located in the picturesque Eurobodalla Shire Council, has long been a focal point for local sporting activities. The oval serves as a venue for various football events, including matches, tournaments, and training sessions. However, the absence of proper irrigation and drainage systems has been a persistent issue throughout previous seasons.
The proposed works will ensure that the venue can maximise its current capacity during the unpredictable weather that we have seen in NSW in recent times. This increased capacity is crucial to ensuring that the female participants in the region can continue to play football without interruption due to inclement weather.
In 2023, Eurobodalla Football Association (EFA) has an above-state-average female participation rate of 29%. Narooma Football Club has a notably high female participation rate of 32%, with a substantial 25% growth in female participants since 2020. This data shows how valuable the NSW Football Legacy Fund is to grassroots football and the reach it has within NSW.
“Undoubtedly, the integration of proper drainage and irrigation systems is an indispensable facet in the upkeeping of football fields. It ensures a consistent standard that is vital for our football participants to thrive and allows for prolonged use,” said Football NSW’s Facilities and Grants Officer, James Spanoudakis
“Improve Existing Venue Capacity is a key priority in our NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy and the proposed works is directly aligned to this pillar.”
Round 2 of Legacy Fund is now open with the Infrastructure Stream closing on Friday 11 August and the Participation Stream closing Friday, 7 July 2023.
This is the final round of the Legacy Fund, don’t miss out!
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.
