Northern NSW Football has announced its Flood Recovery Package to assist clubs affected by the devastating floods in northern NSW.
The NNSWF Flood Recovery Package, worth more than $130,000 in value, will help clubs replace essential equipment and support families facing financial hardship to meet the costs associated with junior registration fees.
The far northeast of NSW experienced its worst ever flooding in late February. Twelve clubs affiliated with Football Far North Coast and North Coast Football were affected by flooding.
Damage ranged from the loss of equipment to total devastation. The damage bill was estimated at $700,000.
NNSWF set up its Flood Recovery Package in response. The package includes:
- Upfront club grants worth $65,000
- Replacement equipment valued at $20,000
- 1400 footballs generously donated by Mitre worth $28,000
- A specific grant to help clubs absorb governing body fees for families of junior players who face financial hardship worth $18,400
NNSWF’s major partner of community football Newcastle Permanent have also donated 25 sets of aluminium MiniRoos goals as well as pitch markers.
NNSWF CEO David Eland said the impact of the floods on local football clubs had been significant.
“The scope of the flood recovery package reflects our commitment as the member federation to ease the burden on volunteers and help clubs get back on the pitch as soon as possible,” Eland said.
“In addition to damage and loss, clubs are also faced with the loss of sponsorship from local businesses affected by the floods.”
The Flood Recovery Package also includes a fundraising portal through the Australian Sports Foundation which enables businesses and individuals to make tax free donations.
NNSWF continues to advocate with all levels of government to ensure clubs have access to disaster relief funding.
NNSWF is also committed to helping families facing financial hardship by providing clubs with a specific grant to absorb the governing body fees for players under the age of 18.
“Sport has a unique ability to bring communities together. Its resumption will be a clear signal that the community is on the mend,” Eland said.
“We are committed to helping clubs so kids don’t miss out on playing this season if their families can’t afford registration fees.”
The generosity of the broader football community has been demonstrated through a boot drive at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility at Speers Point.
Used boots are being collected at the home of football for delivery to players and clubs in need.
“By the time the season starts I expect hundreds of pairs of boots to be donated to families who lost everything in the recent floods,” Eland said.
“We thank the football community for their generosity.”
Visit the NNSWF Flood Recovery Hub HERE
