FOOTBALL APPLAUDS NSW STATE GOVERNMENT’S MOVE TO FUND FEMALE CHANGEROOMS IN $100 MILLION REGIONAL FUND
Football has today applauded the NSW Government’s decision that female changerooms would be a top priority when dispensing $100 million across regional NSW through Round Four of its Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Female sporting teams across regional NSW will benefit from new and improved facilities thanks to 50% of the fund being dedicated exclusively for female changeroom facilities and programs.
Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland says the announcement aligns perfectly with football’s needs following the release of a state-wide Infrastructure Strategy in March 2020 which highlighted the need for significant investment in facilities, especially for female football over the next decade.
“As the state’s largest sport, football is experiencing unprecedented increase in female football. The number of women and girls playing football has risen by 11% in the past year alone.”
Projections show this increase in female participation will only continue to grow.
Stuart Hodge CEO of Football NSW said developing new facilities and improving existing infrastructure which ensures that the nation’s largest club-based sport is inclusive is crucial.
“We are delighted the NSW Government has chosen to invest in female sporting programs and facilities at such a vital time for football. The hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ has sparked an even greater surge of demand for football facilities – many of which are already bursting at the seams. Investment in our facilities is vital to keep up with demand.”
Football Australia CEO James Johnson highlights Football Australia has clear goal of having 50/50 female participation by 2027, assisted by the hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and it’s Legacy ‘23 Plan.
“Our Legacy ’23 Plan is a long-term project extending far beyond the final match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM and we are determined to elevate the women’s game to even greater heights – ultimately for Australia to become the centre of women’s football in the Asia-Pacific region.
“To do this we have identified several time critical initiatives to kick-start Legacy ‘23 which are aligned to our XI Principles and focus on facilities and infrastructure, high performance, participation, and international engagement.
“Building and upgrading community facilities and infrastructure forms part of a key pillar of the Legacy ’23 plan, to help address the existing facilities gap we are experiencing around Australia, and also plan for the influx of 400,000 women and girls we are expecting to be playing the sport of football by 2027.
“Currently of our 2,500 football clubs in Australia, only one in five of these facilities are female friendly.
“Football is committed to working with Clubs, Local Councils and stakeholders to secure funding for the sport. It is integral for football that we ensure existing venues can be used at full capacity, with inclusive facilities, through proper planning for future growth via partnerships with government at all levels and industry partners,” concluded Johnson.
FAST FACTS: Female Football Facilities across New South Wales
- 24% of venues DO NOT have change facilities (248 venue)
- 76% of venues have change room facilities (766 venues). Of these venues:
- 76% are NOT female friendly
- 60% have open showers and are not suitable for males or females in the 21st century
- 48% of change rooms are in either moderate or poor condition
- 62% of venues in NSW do NOT have a referee’s room
- Only 36% of venues have a referee’s room
- 73% of referee rooms are NOT female friendly
- 44% of referee rooms are in moderate or poor condition
- 51% of showers in referee rooms are either unlockable or open
Clubs seeking funding are encouraged to touch base with:
Northern NSW Football|
Ross Hicks
Senior Officer – Community Football
rhicks@northernnswfootball.com.au
