More than 40 grassroots football clubs are set to share in almost $2 million funding through the new South Australian Football Facilities Fund.
The 42 clubs – 17 per cent of clubs in SA – are the recipients of the first round of grants allocated under the new funding program formed by a collaboration between the state government, the AFL and SANFL.
The $8 million fund is part of the legacy of AFL Gather Round for the South Australian football community and is aimed at supporting the continued growth of the game.
The remaining $6 million will be allocated over the next two years, with the next round of funding expected to open in August 2024.
Twenty-eight clubs from the greater Adelaide area and 14 regional projects – from Lock on the Eyre Peninsula through to Mt Gambier in the South East – were successful in receiving grants.
The grants will support key infrastructure projects at community clubs with a total project value of $19 million, including:
- delivery of compliant changerooms for players and umpires at five clubs
- new oval lighting at 11 clubs
- improved oval surfaces at two clubs
- improved infrastructure for volunteers, players, officials and spectators – including new goal posts, backing nets, coaches boxes and scoreboards – at 24 clubs.
To view the full list of grant recipients in round one of the SA Football Facilities Fund, visit the SANFL website here.
The SA Football Facilities Fund will help meet the continuing need for investment to support the growth and diversity of football in South Australia, as it strives towards 70,000 players in 2024.
Participation in female football in South Australia has tripled since the inception of the AFLW and SANFLW competitions in 2017, with 8644 female registered club players and more than 400 female teams in 2023.
The number of girls from the age of five participating in the entry level NAB AFL Auskick program has also doubled in South Australia since 2016, with 2866 girls registered in 2023.
Funding is available to Australian Rules footy clubs, local councils, umpire associations and schools or tertiary institutions.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said it was important that Gather Round had a long-term impact on football around the state.
“As we strive towards one million participants by 2033, we know we need to continue to invest in local clubs and their facilities to ensure we’re providing the best experience and environment for players, coaches, volunteers and umpires,” Mr Dillon said.
SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said the league was thrilled to see 42 community clubs benefit from the fund.
“Improved infrastructure, lighting and oval surfaces will unlock more capacity at existing venues across the state, increasing oval access to support the growing number of participants in our game, in particular female players and umpires,” Mr Chandler said.
“From SANFL clubs to local grassroots community clubs, the fund will enhance the capacity of facilities and, importantly, create welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone participating in our game."
