Local footy clubs are being urged to get started on their applications for the newly created Football Facilities Fund, with the portal officially open.
The $8 million program is a joint funding venture by the State Government, AFL and SANFL, which over three years hopes to help local clubs capitalise on the Gather Round being in SA.
Grants of up to $150,000 are on offer to support the delivery of major facilities projects, such as changeroom upgrades, lighting and construction of new ovals, with up to $50,000 available for smaller projects, such as goal posts and electronic scoreboards.
Accommodating the growth of womens football is seen as a key priority of the program; participation in female football in South Australia has tripled since prior to the start of AFLW and SANFLW in 2017, with 8,644 female registered club players and more than 400 female teams in 2023.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard MP says it is imperative local clubs are able to accommodate for further growth.
“Gather Round has brought visitors to our beautiful state and seen South Australians in their thousands flock to the footy and the incredible atmosphere and excitement it has created. It has also inspired greater participation in footy,” Hildyard said.
“We want local clubs and their communities to be enabled to respond to that growing participation and benefit from Gather Round in the long term. This funding program will enable them to do just that.”
For more information about the fund and how to apply, visit www.sanfl.com.au/safacilitiesfund.
