Grants open to support South Australian community AFL clubs upgrade infrastructure and facilities

South Australian community AFL clubs can now apply for grants of up to $300,000 to help upgrade their infrastructure and facilities, with over $3 million available in the latest round of the SA Football Facilities Fund.

The funding which is supported by the SA Government, SANFL and AFL can be used for a wide range of projects including all gender changerooms for players, officials and umpires, new lighting, electronic scoreboards, goal posts and backing nets, as well as turf and irrigation upgrades to improve playing surfaces.

Round Three of the Fund – totalling around $3.2 million – introduces a new category of grants to fast-track full precinct upgrades, unlocking new or underutilised green space and improving accessibility of ovals to support growing participation.

The $8 million Fund is part of the legacy of the AFL Gather Round and has already delivered nearly $5 million of support across the state – with funding from previous rounds enabling projects to be completed and benefiting the broader community.

More than 70 clubs have received support over the past two years through the program, including around half in regional South Australia.

Reynella Football Club, through the City of Onkaparinga, used a $75,000 grant towards the installation of new lighting at the club’s oval, allowing the club to schedule matches and training at night for their growing number of teams while improving spectator viewing.

Reynella Football Club President Sis Inthavong shared “this grant has allowed us to replace decades-old lights and supports our female players and juniors to train at night.

“We’re seeing more people come to our games over the weekend and it means we can utilise the oval to its full potential for the whole community.

“My message to other clubs is to get organised and apply and set yourself up to deliver a project for future generations.”

The SA Football Facilities Fund helps tackle the need to invest in the substantial growth and diversity of football in South Australia, amid a goal of more than 70,000 playing participants in 2025.

SANFL Chief Executive Darren Chandler advised “In South Australia we now have over 65,000 male and female playing participants in our game, from young Auskickers starting out to senior men and women, as well as over 2,200 umpires.

“The SA Football Facilities Fund is critical in supporting this continuing participation growth and diversity of football in South Australia, to unlock oval capacity and create welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone involved in our game.

“Thanks to this successful collaboration with the AFL and State Government, we have ensured that AFL Gather Round leaves a long-lasting legacy for our clubs, players, umpires, volunteers and broader communities right across South Australia.

AFL Executive General Manager Game Development Rob Auld added “as we strive to grow our game and reach one million participants by 2033, it is important that we have the facilities to support local footy clubs in creating inclusive and high-quality spaces for their community.

“It has been fantastic to see the positive impact the SA Football Facilities Fund has made to date, giving community clubs assistance and the opportunity to make transformational upgrades to their facilities.”

Funding is available to Australian Rules footy clubs, local councils, umpire associations and schools or tertiary institutions.

Applications are open until December, with successful recipients to be notified in early 2026. Visit sanfl.com.au/safacilitiesfund

Images. Reynella Football Club, through the City of Onkaparinga, used a $75,000 grant towards the installation of new lighting at the club’s oval