Northern NSW Football, the Facilities and Advocacy Unit and Sports Turf Association of Australia joined forces to bring a forum full of informative and valuable information for clubs to take back to their own facilities.

Football faces real challenges at all levels of the game to access enough facilities of the right quality to play hence why holding forums like this is vital for grassroots clubs to assist them in improving their own facilities.

The third Northern NSW Football Facility Forum was held on Saturday 10 November with McDonald Jones Stadium playing host once again.
Over 50 attendees from across the Northern NSW Football footprint attended the Facilities Forum.

The forum saw presentations from Maitland City Council, Keith McPhee (Sports Facilities Team Leader) who spoke on getting the balance right for playing fields and Laurie D’Angelo (Manager Community and Recreation) who took the group through some basics when dealing with Local Council.
ANZ Stadium curator Graeme Logan gave the clubs an insight into what’s involved when preparing ANZ Stadium for the multitude of events that it hosts from World Cup qualifiers to music concerts.

Attendees were then given the opportunity to step foot on McDonald Jones Stadium, with the Sports Turf Association providing some demonstrations on how fields are tested for hardness, moisture, etc.

“The Facilities and Advocacy Unit’s aim is to, develop and promote the game by supporting our members and stakeholders” said Manager – Infrastructure, Planning and Infrastructure, Jas Virdee.

“Facility forums such as this Northern NSW Facilities Forum provides clubs and zones with up to date information which can help improve football facilities at the grassroot level” continued Mr Virdee.

Overall the forum was once again a success bringing clubs and zones together to improve the football environment for the largest participated sport in NSW and Australia.

The State Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead recently announced $393,000 for a new amenities building at Aub Ferris Oval, Nabiac.

The new building will replace the current amenities building which was built in 1982.

The current building doesn’t meet the current needs of Wallamba FC, a growing club in the Football Mid North Coast Zone of Northern NSW.

Over the last few months Football NSW and Northern NSW Football have conducted an in-depth audit across every football facility in NSW. During this audit the amenities building at Aub Ferris Oval was rated poor and needed repair.
The funding will see new change rooms, toilets and a new clubhouse built at Aub Ferris Oval for Wallamba FC and the entire Nabiac community.

Wallamba FC President, Dave Weller featured on local news speaking about the need for new change rooms to cater for the growing number of females playing football in the area.

Prime 7 – View Here

Wallamba FC is also home to former Socceroo and Fox Sports commentator Andy Harper. Andy and his wife Rebecca are committee members at Wallamba FC.

 

On Thursday 25 October 2018, Sonia Hornery, State Member for Wallsend spoke in NSW Parliament about the need for greater investment into football the largest team-based sport in NSW.

Football makes a considerable contribution to the NSW economy each and every year and with further investment in football facilities the NSW economy would see an additional $200 million added to the economy.

Ms Hornery encouraged the Minister for Sport, The Hon. Stuart Ayres “to unlock funding to invest in football facilities across NSW”.

“Football’s appeal as the most popular sport in NSW makes it the ideal vehicle to support the development of healthy and inclusive communities, providing improved social, health, educational and cultural outcomes for all”, stated Ms Hornery.

“The sport is growing, and facilities are not keeping up with demand. Every season 2,500 players are turned away as more Australians become fans of football. More will be turned away, robbing them of the sport’s benefits and keeping money out of our local economies” continued the Member for Wallsend.

Facilities and Advocacy Unit Manager – Government Relations, Funding and Infrastructure, Daniel Ristic said “It’s fantastic to see the world game being discussed in NSW State Parliament. Football is truly a sport that touches so many families across NSW every year”.

Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali added to the conversation in parliament commenting, “Football has a significant effect on social enhancement, cross-culture inclusion and the economic bonus of over half a billion dollars per annum”.

Member for Camden, Chris Patterson agreed with Sonia’s motion and confirmed that “football games are fantastic for local economies”

Football NSW and Northern NSW Football thanks the Member for Wallsend for shining the light on the benefits that football brings to the state of NSW, whether that be economic, social or health.

Only last week (30 October) Football NSW and Northern NSW Football released an updated Community Impact of Football study which researched the broad economic, health and social benefits of football in the community.

This study is a repeat of the first Community Impact Study commissioned in 2015 and provides a series of findings based on empirical research that establishes a framework for increased advocacy and lobbying in the lead up to the Federal and State elections to be held in 2019.

Since the release of the inaugural Community Impact of Football study in 2015, football’s total overall contribution to NSW communities has increased by 23% – almost five times the rate of inflation.

According to the independent SBP research the total financial impact of football in 2018 has increased to a staggering $520 million. At this current growth rate, SBP has extrapolated that the total community impact of football in NSW will reach $1 billion by 2025.

To read Member for Wallsend’s motion in NSW Parliament click here

Applications for Northern NSW Football’s (NNSWF) Facilities Fund are now open providing a fantastic opportunity for clubs to improve their facilities for club members and their community.

The NNSWF Facilities Fund is an initiative which has been established to provide funding assistance to football clubs to partner with local councils, government and local stakeholders to improve the quality, availability, accessibility and safety of their facilities.

The Program aims to assist clubs in improving their football facilities and in turn increase participation, improve safety and security, assist in building stronger communities through football and improve the overall football experience for their members and stakeholders.

Project partnerships are encouraged, and identification of all project partners is required (e.g. Local Government Authorities, State Government, schools, other sports, other landowners, local business partnerships).

Applicants need to provide a copy of landowner’s consent where the project will occur on land that is not owned by the Club. A declaration from Council is required where there is a partnership with Council. This may include a letter of support, a letter outlining lease arrangements or support for favourable conditions for the Club.

Total funding made available by NNSWF is $325,000 with a minimum of $20,000 & maximum of $100,000 matched funding available. For examples of eligible projects please refer to the fund guidelines.

The primary objectives of the NNSWF Facilities Fund is to;

• Provide more opportunities for more participants to play more football, more often;
• Improve the football experience for players, referees, coaches and volunteers;
• Address issues which undermine the safety of participants; and
• Promote inclusive football opportunities within clubs

 

How to Apply

There are four steps in the application process;

1. Download or print the fund guidelines

2. Read the Guidelines for information about the Program, determine if your project is eligible and familiarise yourself with the Program process and requirements

3. Complete the online application

4. Submit the application by the closing date and time

 

Applications close 5pm March 31, 2019

 

Please direct enquiries about your application to:
NNSWF Senior Officer – Club Development – 02 49 417 205 or [email protected]

Please direct enquiries about the Facilities Fund generally to:
NSW Facilities & Advocacy Unit – 1300 213 771

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC today announced a $2.25 million NSW Liberal National Government grant for Stage Two of the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility from the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Mr MacDonald said the grant, in conjunction with $750,000 in co-funding from Northern NSW Football, would upgrade the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility which will benefit Northern NSW Football’s capacity to engage young girls in talented player pathway and host events of regional, state, national and international significance.

“The grant for Stage Two will fund construction of a multi-purpose building with a dedicated football education centre, installation of 200 lux sports field lights to increase hours of play on a turf football pitch at the entrance of the facility, as well as new change rooms and toilets for players and match officials,” Mr MacDonald said.

“This is fantastic news not just for Northern NSW Football but for the Lake Macquarie region,” Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said.

“I worked with David Eland and others to get this facility up and running, so seeing State funding for the second stage is really great. The facility not only provides first-class facilities for locals, it has put us on the map nationally and even internationally, so I again applaud everyone involved.”

“Northern NSW Football is greatly appreciative of the NSW Government’s support through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund,” Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said.

“The grant of $2.25m will enable Northern NSW Football to proceed with Stage 2 of the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility which will include the construction of a significant multi-purpose amenities building and new lighting which will service the under-utilised turf pitch at the entrance of the facility.”

“Northern NSW Football applauds the NSW Government’s investment in sporting facilities throughout regional NSW.”

“Northern NSW Football acknowledges the unwavering support of the State Member for Lake Macquarie, Mr Greg Piper MP for the Lake Macquarie Regional Football facility from the outset.”

“I congratulate Northern NSW Football and look forward to seeing this facility come to life with countless benefits for local players, athletes, teams, their fans and the wider sporting community,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said.

“The NSW Liberal National Government has been working hard to make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play, to lift sports participation and help to foster a sense of pride and identity in regional communities.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said building and improving sporting facilities in regional NSW will develop pathways for strong athletes and create spaces for the community to come together and enjoy active and healthy lifestyles.

“By upgrading and expanding regional NSW stadiums, fields, training facilities and sporting hubs, we provide rising stars with the means to further develop their skills and encourage others to participate on the field or on the sidelines,” Mr Ayres said.

For more information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund, click here