Six community football clubs throughout Northern NSW have received funding for significant infrastructure projects to improve club facilities through Northern NSW Football’s (NNSWF) Facilities Fund.
The grants will facilitate a total investment of $786,401 in community football facilities when aggregated with other funding pledges. The establishment of the Facilities Fund is aligned to NNSWF’s goal to improve the accessibility and overall quality of football facilities throughout Northern NSW.
In all, 17 submissions were made for the first round of funding which closed 31 March 2019.
Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said the submissions which were reviewed against predetermined criteria with independent review, were impressive.
“We had many submissions which were of very high quality and whilst we couldn’t fund all projects in this inaugural round, the projects which were successful addressed vital challenges of safety of players through lighting and improving facilities for members.
Successful projects in this round were:
Northern NSW Football’s Facilities Fund was established to provide assistance for football clubs who 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, administrators and spectators
> Provide opportunities for more participants to play more football, more frequently.
> Improve the safety of community facilities
> Provide more inclusive football opportunities with clubs
“With growing demand, clubs are finding it increasingly difficult to provide and maintain facilities which meet users’ needs and expectations.
“The Fund provides clubs another avenue to seek significant funding for facility projects and in turn increase participation, improve safety and security, assist in building stronger communities through football and improve the overall football experience for their members and stakeholders.
Whilst $325,000 was available this round, Northern NSW Football committed a further $7,288 to the pool to ensure all six successful submissions were fully funded and able to be completed.
The 2020 round of funding for the NNSWF Facilities Fund will open 1 November 2019 and close 5pm, 31 March 2020.
All Northern NSW Football Clubs are invited to submit projects for consideration. For examples of eligible projects please refer to the fund guidelines.
For further information or guidance clubs can direct enquiries to Northern NSW Football’s Senior Officer of Club Development on 02 4941 7205 or rhicks@northernnswfootball.com.au
