The eighth round of Northern NSW Football’s Facilities Fund has seen $251,886.10 awarded to community clubs.
Applications were received from nine clubs representing five member zones, with four successful projects chosen.
NNSWF – Northern Inland club Glen Innes and District Football Association will receive $100,000 to upgrade amenities and installation of field irrigation.
Football Mid North Coast club Southern United FC will receive $100,000 to install compliant lighting. While Hunter Valley Football club Cessnock City Hornets will receive $32,619.10 to upgrade amenities to become gender neutral.
Football Far North Coast club Byron Bay FC will receive $19,267 for stage one of a drainage system to their playing fields at Byron Bay Memorial Recreation Ground.
NNSWF’s Facilities Fund was established in 2019 and aligns with the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy.
The fund has seen NNSWF invest $1,859,418 into community football infrastructure projects since its inception, with partnering funding of $4,029,021 taking the total project value to $5,888,439.
NNSWF General Manager Member Services Ross Hicks said funding came from a portion of registration fees, with football money going back into helping football clubs.
“The NNSWF Facilities Fund provides clubs an additional avenue to secure significant funding for infrastructure projects that can increase participation, improve safety and security, strengthen player retention and create better football experiences,” Hicks said.
“Football remains the largest participation sport in northern NSW, with more than 70,000 registered participants highlighting the need for increased funding.
“We have seen the incredible impacts the fund has delivered for clubs and their communities. It is great that another four of NNSWF’s community clubs have been able to benefit.”
The NNSWF Facilities Fund was established to help clubs partner with local stakeholders such as Local Government Authorities, state government, schools, other sports and relevant landowners to:
- Improve the football experience for players, referees, coaches and volunteers
- Provide opportunities for more participants to play more football more often
- Upgrade facilities to better meet the needs of women, girls and participants with a disability
- Address issues which undermine the safety and/or security of participants
NNSWF is committed to providing an enjoyable football experience for all, which is a strategic pillar in NNSWF’s Strategic Plan for 2024-26. NNSWF’s priority is to support clubs and enhance facilities to increase the game’s capacity.
For more information or assistance with funding applications contact NNSWF General Manager Member Services Ross Hicks (4941 7200 or rhicks@nnswf.com.au) or NNSWF Government Relations Manager Gary Fisher (4941 7200 or gfisher@nnswf.com.au).