Football Australia releases plea for funding from Governments

For the first time, Australian football’s governing bodies have united to make a collective pitch to Federal, state and territory governments for more than $3 billion in funding - today delivering a national agenda for the upcoming Federal election and beyond.

Released its Securing our Football Future policy, Football Australia has set out a blueprint to strengthen Australia’s largest team sport through strategic partnerships with all levels of government, including the next federal government, over the short term (five years) and medium term (10 years).

Highlighting a growing infrastructure gap - estimated at $2.8 billion - that threatens the game’s ability to meet demand for its 1.91 million participants and 3,300 active clubs nationwide, the policy platform outlines a unified agenda to government across the game’s member federations, the Australian Professional Leagues, local football clubs and various stakeholders.

The 23 policy proposals set out clear investments across infrastructure, social and development programs, regulatory reform to ensure football remains a leading force in community participation, social cohesion, and on the global stage.

Key funding and regulatory priorities in the policy proposals include:

• $1.56 billion from the next Federal Government, to establish a 10-year infrastructure program for community sport to deliver equitable and inclusive changerooms across the country, particularly to meet the rapid growth in women’s football.

• $851 million from all State and Territory Governments, to establish a 10-year infrastructure program for community sport to address the lighting facilities gap to increase access and playing hours.

• $391 million, over five years, to address pitch drainage and weather resilience in the face of climate change.

• $50 million to establish a National Football Headquarters, including a world-class High-Performance Centre, a Football Museum, and facilities to host international teams.

• Investment in State Homes of Football, including expansion of existing Homes of Football, as well as the establishment of the Tasmanian Home of Football, Capital Home of Football and the Home of Football Mid North Coast.

• Calling on Federal and State Governments to establish a formal process to expedite and streamline bidding opportunities for major international football tournaments.

In addition to grassroots infrastructure, Football Australia is seeking support to advance Australia’s global leadership in football through:

• $1 million in seed funding to launch the Australian Championship - a new National Second Tier that strengthens the pathway between grassroots and professional football.

• Support for a streamlined bidding process to attract future major international tournaments.

• Investment in a 17,000-seat boutique stadium at Perry Park, Brisbane, as a flagship football venue for the 2032 Olympics.

• Enhanced backing for sports diplomacy initiatives across Asia and the Pacific, leveraging football’s reach to build stronger regional ties.

Explaining that the proposals will create a sustainable future for the game, Football Australia, Chair Anter Isaac stated “our mission as leaders is clear - to amplify their vision, honour their commitment, and ensure these voices inspire decisive action in every parliament across the nation. Whilst we still have so much work to do on so many fronts, the past 12 months have demonstrated vividly what we can achieve when we work together, for one another. This initiative is yet another reflection of that collective commitment.”

Football Australia Chief Executive, James Johnson added “football is Australia’s most played team sport and uniquely positioned to deliver social, cultural and economic impact at scale.

“Our surge in participation has put football at a tipping point where our growth is outpacing our infrastructure. All levels of government need to act to address the facilities gap to give grassroots players an opportunity to participate and support our current and emerging talent to compete on the world stage.

“These proposals represent a united approach across our football community, and present a clear opportunity for local, state, and federal governments to partner with Football Australia to deliver long-term, high value returns for communities and the nation.”

Click here to view the Securing Our Football Future proposals to Government.

Main image credit: Football NSW.