Funding boost for grassroots rugby league in NSW

Rugby league in NSW is set to benefit from the biggest financial injection in the sport’s history – a $4 million funding program courtesy of an agreement between the NRL and the NSW Government.

The new ‘NSW Footy Facilities Fund’ will see the NSW Government and the NRL invest $1 million each into a funding program to support junior and senior rugby league clubs upgrade or build new facilities.

This may include spending on items such as new seating, goal posts, canteens, lights, fields, fencing, drainage, dressing rooms or storage facilities.

To secure a grant of up to $75,000 from the joint investment fund, local rugby league clubs must be able to match the grant through their own financial or in kind contribution, including obtaining some support from the council if the facilities are on council land.

Overall this will create the opportunity for a total investment pool of $4 million to be spent on Rugby League facilities across the state.

Welcoming the new funding initiative, NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith explained "through working in partnership we can drive investment of more than $4 million and deliver better results for Rugby League clubs across the state.

“Our mini football (ages five to nine) player numbers grew by more than 5% last year across Australia and this program will ensure better facilities are in place to support our NSW players.

“This grant program will also help deliver social and economic outcomes for many communities across the state, from Wagga Wagga to Wollondilly, Ballina to Broken Hill, by creating jobs and building community facilities.

“The support from the NSW Government for grassroots Rugby League clubs has been fantastic and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of this new program come to life over the next few years.”

Funding applications must be made by 30th May 2014.

Click here for more information on the NSW Footy Facilities Fund.

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