The South Australian Government has announced an $18 million grant program over the next three years for dedicated female sporting facilities and improvements that grow women and girls' participation in sport.
Of the funding pool, $10 million will be quarantined for soccer, with Football South Australia agreeing to match the grants dollar-for-dollar through a range of funding sources including clubs, Football Australia, local and federal governments. This will take the total funding committed to $28 million.
With interested in soccer in South Australia higher than ever thanks to the Matilda's history-making run at the FIFA Women's World Cup, Football SA CEO Michael Carter said the investment would be a 'game changer'.
"New and improved places to play has been one of three focus areas as part of Football SA’s Legacy Plan on the back of the Women’s World Cup," Mr Carter said.
"This investment will be a game changer for women and girls’ participation in sport.
"Go the Matildas."
Football SA expects girls and women’s participation in soccer to grow by 33 per cent over the next three years on the back of the Women’s World Cup and the Matildas’ success.
All funding will be allocated through an independently assessed grants program managed by the Office of Recreation and Sport, with further details to be announced later this year.
A previously announced $1 million in FIFA Women’s World Cup Legacy funding from the South Australian Government has enabled Football SA to employ development officers in the Adelaide Hills, Eyre Peninsula, Riverland and Limestone Coast.
