The State Government has teamed up with the SANFL and AFL to deliver $8 million funding to local footy clubs, as part of its legacy of hosting the AFL Gather Round.
Annual funding of $2.5 million will be available over the next three years to Australian Rules clubs, local councils, umpire associations, schools or tertiary institutions through a new South Australian Football Facilities Fund.
There will also be an additional funding pool of $500,000 for smaller projects.
Grants of up to $150,000 are on offer for major facilities projects including changeroom upgrades, lighting and construction of new ovals, while $50,000 grants are available for smaller projects such as new goal posts, electronic scoreboards and irrigation improvements.
SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said the funding would benefit local grassroot community clubs to create more inclusive and welcoming facilities for all.
“We’ve come a long way with facilities and have seen some fantastic projects undertaken over the past few years, however we still have 60 per cent of changerooms which are not of an adequate standard for female players and umpires,” Mr Chandler said.
“There is also a critical need to cater for increasing capacity at existing venues by improving the quality of ovals, lighting and infrastructure, as well as identifying opportunities for new ovals to support an increasing number of female teams.
“From SANFL clubs to local grassroots community clubs, the fund will enhance the capacity of facilities and create welcoming and inclusive environments for all genders and all-abilities.”
Participation in female football in South Australia has tripled since the introduction of AFLW and SANFLW in 2017, with 8644 female registered club players and more than 400 female teams in 2023.
With the huge success of the first Gather Round, and the exponential growth of women’s and girls’ involvement in the sport, the funding will increase capacity of existing football venues to meet the growing demand of both players and spectators.
This year's inaugural AFL Gather Round injected more than $85 million into the state's economy, with all nine matches sold out.
Next year's Gather Round fixture was recently released and will kick off with the Crows taking on Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Thursday 4 April.
Applications for funding through the South Australian Football Facilities Fund are now open. For more information about the fund and how to apply, visit www.sanfl.com.au/safacilitiesfund.
