NSW Government annouces regional sport funding plus backing for cricket and football

Sports facilities across regional NSW are set to benefit from new and improved women’s change rooms and amenities thanks to $50 million in funding from the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro today announced that Round Four of the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund will have a regional sports focus, with up to $50 million to be made available for the delivery and enhancement of women’s sporting facilities, including change rooms.

Deputy Premier Barilaro advised that a lack of adequate facilities can be a barrier to female participation in sport and this funding will provide new and improved amenities to make it easier for girls and women to dominate on the field or courts, stating “these new facilities will increase participation and allow women and girls to receive the social and health benefits associated with sport.

“Women have been flying the flag for Australian sport with our international teams achieving incredible status on the world platform, and many of these athletes come from regional communities.

“Too many women participating in local soccer (football), AFL, rugby or cricket matches in rural and regional locations don’t have access to suitable changing facilities so the NSW Government has committed this funding to level the playing field.

The remaining $50 million of the Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four will be made available for further high quality community amenity and sports-related infrastructure projects to meet strong demand.

Backing future female footballing talent
Deputy Premier Barilaro also announced an investment of $750,000 into a NSW Government funded talent identification and youth development program over the next three years.

The funding will support the establishment of training hubs across the Southern Highlands and Tablelands, South Coast, Riverina, Western NSW and Northern NSW.

Focusing on girls aged between 12 to 18 years old, identified players will be supported through the provision of training camps and player support scholarships, with the added bonus of being tutored by current and former Matildas.

Stating that the NSW Government’s investment created a once in a generation opportunity for aspiring female athletes, Football NSW Chief Executive, Stuart Hodge commented “hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will inspire the next generation of Matildas and with the support of the NSW Government, together with Football Australia and Northern NSW Football, we are committed to providing the best training and development opportunities for our female athletes across regional NSW.”

The initiative will commence with talent identification and the creation of training hubs across the five regions.

Community Cricket to benefit from T20 World Cup Legacy fund
Community cricket clubs and facilities across NSW will receive a funding boost, with the announcement of 77 successful projects in the final round of NSW ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Legacy Fund.

Speaking alongside Deputy Premier Barilaro, and acting NSW Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to upgrading cricket facilities and boosting grassroots development.

Acting Minister Lee said the funding will facilitate the development of infrastructure for community cricket clubs, as well as support female programs and resources, explaining “we are committed to ensuring a lasting legacy from hosting T20 World Cup matches in Sydney and the legacy fund continues to deliver great outcomes.

“Today’s announcement of the successful recipients brings the total funding amount to $6 million over the last three years, supporting over 200 projects that will continue to benefit community cricket across NSW for generations to come.”

ICC T20 World Cup acting Chief Executive Michelle Enright said the projects will ensure there is a lasting legacy beyond the women’s and men’s tournaments.

Enright added “we are delighted that the Legacy Fund continues to have a positive impact fostering cricket participation across NSW, especially for women and girls following the successful ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.”

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be held in 2022, with seven matches proposed to be held in Sydney.

Images: Facilities backed by the T20 World Cup Legacy fund.