South Australian Government commits $28 million to dedicated female sporting facilities

With the Matildas’ history-making 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign anticipated to inspire and drive more girls and women to take up football, the South Australian Government is keen to create a lasting legacy and is committing $28 million to dedicated female sporting facilities.

Football SA expects girls and women’s participation to grow by 33% over the next three years on the back of the Women’s World Cup and the Matildas’ efforts.

SA Minister for Sport, Katrine Hildyard enthused “the magnificent Matildas and this World Cup has been enthralling; these women, the best athletes in the world, are inspirational. Seeing them celebrated for being strong and powerful is transforming the way women and the roles they can play are seen.

“We are serious about backing women in sport and creating a lasting legacy. Doing so means responding to their growing desire to take to the pitch and investing in the facilities they deserve. This exciting announcement does just that.”

The Government will deliver an $18 million grant program over the next three years for dedicated female sporting facilities and improvements that grow female participation.

$10 million of the money will be quarantined for football, with Football South Australia agreeing to match the grants dollar for dollar through a range of funding sources including clubs, Football Australia, Local and Federal Government.

All funding will be allocated through an independently assessed grants program managed by the Office of Recreation and Sport, with further details to be announced later this year.

The State Government’s $18 million investment in female sport will occur regardless of whether the Matildas progress beyond tonight’s World Cup semi-final against England.

The appetite for football in South Australia has never been so high, with clubs including Adelaide Comets saying their inboxes have been exploding as the parents of girls and boys look to find a team for their children.

41 projects with a total project cost of more than $42 million were funded through the former Labor Government’s Female Facilities Program and co-contributions launched in 2015.

Currently only one in four SA children 12 and under and 14% of those aged 13 to 17 are meeting national activity guidelines. This announcement will ensure there is a place for children and young people who want to be active.

$1million of FIFA Women’s World Cup Legacy funding announced by the SA Government last year enabled Football SA to employ development officers in the Adelaide Hills, Eyre Peninsula, Riverland and Limestone Coast.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas notes “without adequate investment there will be a gap between the desire to play and the resources to facilitate that will.”

James Johnson, Chief Executive Football Australia shares “we warmly welcome the South Australian’s funding commitment - an important investment that underlines the need for collaboration between government and sport in order to address football’s urgent grassroots facility needs.

“Following the feats of the Subway Socceroos at the FIFA Men’s World Cup, Football Australia has enjoyed a 10% rise in national participation.

“With the historic performances of the CommBank Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, we anticipate up to an additional 20% leap.

“However, as we grow, so does the pressing need to bridge our facilities gap - a challenge highlighted by our trajectory, which, if not addressed, will compromise the health of our community, and limit positive life experiences for women and girls.

“Our commitment to gender parity and inclusivity remains unwavering. Yet, we cannot overlook the infrastructure challenges our community clubs grapple with daily.

“This is why the South Australian Government’s funding commitment is pivotal. Together with our government partners, and armed with compelling national facility audit insights, we can make smarter, more impactful investments in community football, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive community for every aspiring footballer.”

Image. Credit: Football South Australia