Forbes District Soccer Club is set to upgrade its facilities after the club was awarded a grant of over $100,000 as part of the NSW Government’s Legacy Fund.
The Botanical Gardens Sporting Complex is home to the Forbes District Soccer Club.
The amenity building at Botanical Gardens has been part of the venue since the 19070’s and is in need for an upgrade.
Since then, the building has been the hub for the club- with the canteen, office, change rooms and storage rooms being located in the one location.
The use of the facilities has been enjoyed by fans and players alike from both the local community to regional level football superstars, with annual cups, gala days as well as the Youth League and A-League Women’s Games having their time in lights at Forbes District Soccer Club’s home ground.
Although a central hub for the Forbes football community, the club needs urgent renovations to install new facilities to improve the site.
The grant will enable Forbes District Soccer Club to improve the site’s functionality which includes converting the canteen from a local kitchen and upgrading it to commercial standards, refurbishing the office and female change rooms, as well as installing a storage shed for bulk equipment.
These renovations are aligned with the NSW Football Infrastructure strategy and its key infrastructure priorities of ‘Planning for Growth and Demand’ and ‘Inclusive Football Facilities’.
“This funding will go a long way into ensuring there is a long-lasting effect from the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup and that the female footballers in Forbes and surrounding areas feel that impact in their own hometown”, said Football NSW’s Legacy Fund Grants and Facilities Officer James Spanoudakis.
Forbes District Soccer Club is moving forward with refurbishing its grounds to encourage the influx of female participants in the lead up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup this year.
In the recent 2022 season, Forbes District Soccer Club proudly had a whopping 39% female participation ratio which is well above the state average of 25%, with the club aiming for continued growth.
Doug McKenzie, Competition Secretary Registrar, Forbes District FC noted that facilities investment keeps and attracts players and in turn leads to long term engagement in football.
“The Forbes District Soccer Club refurbishments will improve safety through the provision of higher standard facilities for players, referees, and coaches and in doing so will enable the growth of the game in Central West NSW.
“The upgrades will also further our ability to host events such as the 2023 Country Cup and the 2024 Forbes Youth Cup.
“Planning for growth and demand is essential to our club’s ongoing strategy. The upgrading of our facilities is crucial for the unprecedented growth that will come out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
The enhanced facility will accommodate players of all ages and cater to both male and female participants ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup that kicks off this July.
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.
