Three northern NSW community football clubs have received funding for significant infrastructure projects to improve club facilities thanks to round three of Northern NSW Football’s Facilities Fund.
The clubs have been awarded $162,935 in matched funding to invest in community football facility improvements across northern NSW.
Hunter Valley Football club Scone FC were awarded $14,750 for the installation of a new storage shed at the Bill Rose Sports Complex.
Fellow Hunter Valley Football club Muswellbrook FC were given $69,910 for an upgrade of amenities and changerooms, installation of an accessible toilet, a referees changeroom and storage at Stan Thiess Centre, Victoria Park.
While Newcastle Football club New Lambton FC were awarded $78,275 for pitch fencing and covered tiered seating at Alder Park.
Northern NSW Football’s Facilities Fund was established in 2019 and aligns with the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy.
Since its inception, the fund has seen NNSWF invest $714,928 in community football infrastructure projects, with partner funding of $848,199 taking the total project value to $1,563,127.
These 14 projects have supported more than 6,500 players, referees, coaches and volunteers and have included lighting, amenities and field upgrades.
Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said the submissions, which were reviewed against predetermined criteria with an independent review, had been impressive.
“We had a number of submissions which were of a very high standard,” Eland said.
“The projects which were successful will significantly contribute towards the strategic goal of the fund which is to increase the number of community football facilities that are welcoming, fit for purpose and support the growth of the game.
“Things like the Facilities Fund are all part of the benefits for clubs affiliated with Northern NSW Football and Football Australia and I’m so happy we were able to help deliver these three projects for the clubs.”
Northern NSW Football Head of Football Development Peter Haynes said clubs found it increasingly difficult to provide and maintain facilities that met users’ needs and expectations due to growing demand.
“The Facilities Fund provides clubs with another avenue to seek significant funding for facility projects,” Haynes said.
“In turn, clubs are able to increase participation, improve safety and security, assist in building strong communities through football and improve the overall football experience for their members and stakeholders.”
Muswellbrook FC vice president and grants officer Adam Regan said the club looked forward to having the works at Victoria Park completed for its 100-year celebration to demonstrate to the community the club’s strong future in the region.
“Thanks to Northern NSW Football for the opportunity to receive this funding to improve our facilities. Which shows great commitment from them to allow us to grow the game in our town and region by having first rate facilities and fields,” Regan said.
“Being able to update our amenities and changerooms will be a massive boost to our club in attracting new players and possibly attracting a women’s team back to the club. We have one of the best fields to play on in our competition and now we will have the facilities to match.
“With the addition of a referees changeroom we will have the ability to host finals matches which will be a great way to showcase the sport to our region. These upgrades not only benefit the Muswellbrook Football Club but the whole community that uses the complex.”
The Facilities Fund was established to help football clubs partner with local stakeholders including local government authorities, state government, schools, other sports and relevant land owners to:
- Provide opportunities for more participants to play more football more often
- Increase participation of women and girls
- Improve the football experience for players, referees, coaches and volunteers
- Address issues which undermine participants’ safety
- Provide inclusive football opportunities within clubs for participants with a disability
- Improve security at community football facilities
Applications for the 2022 round of funding through the NNSWF Facilities Fund open soon.
For more information, guidance or enquiries clubs are encouraged to contact NNSWF Community Football Manager Ross Hicks (02 4941 7200 or rhicks@northernnswfootball.com.au).
