The NSW Government has launched a new $4 million fund to deliver better community facilities for local football clubs across NSW driven from the success of the 2015 Asian Cup Tournament.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the overwhelming success of the Asian Cup resulted in a surplus to improve facilities at a local level in NSW’s highest participated sport.
“If the Socceroos’ total domination in the 2015 Asian Cup wasn’t enough, the good news just keeps on coming with the 1,000 affiliated football clubs across NSW now able to apply for funding for much needed club improvements,” Mr Ayres said.
“The booming popularity of football is already bringing communities together, and now players across the state will directly benefit from the success of the 2015 Asian Cup,” Mr Ayres said.
“This is more than a regional investment program, it joins the dots between major sporting event success and the NSW Government delivering sporting infrastructure which meets the needs of local clubs.”
Minister Ayres joined Football NSW Chief Executive Eddie Moore and Northern NSW Football Chief Executive David Eland to launch the fund at NSW Football Headquarters at Valentine’s Sports Park.
“The decision to allocate profits from the competition to community football will no doubt improve the overall football experience for the 765,000 football participants in NSW,” Football NSW Chief Executive Eddie Moore said.
“The availability of these grants will have a massive impact on football clubs, associations and zones across the state, from Albury to Tweed Heads,” Mr Moore said.
Northern NSW Football Chief Executive David encouraged clubs to study the guidelines and apply for grants which will have positive outcomes for local communities.
“Players, referees, coaches and administrators of all ages and abilities are set to benefit from the fund which will magnify the social, health, educational and cultural benefits our game brings to society.”
Guidelines for the NSW Asian Cup 2015 Legacy Fund are now available with applications open from early next month to 24 February 2017.