Western Australian Government invests in grassroots football and expansion of Sam Kerr Football Centre

The Western Australian Government is making a significant investment of $9.3 million in football to ensure Western Australia's successful hosting of this year's FIFA Women's World Cup delivers a lasting legacy for the world game in WA.

Local grassroots women's teams will benefit through a new $2.4 million Women's World Cup Legacy Grants program, with each NPL club eligible for up to $300,000 in funding for infrastructure and facility improvements that support women's participation.

The recently renamed Sam Kerr Football Centre in Perth’s Queens Park, which has been the Matildas' training base since they arrived in Perth, will also benefit as part of the legacy package.

The $50.8 million facility currently incorporates two full-sized FIFA standard football pitches with lighting, three five-a-side playing pitches, sport science facilities, changing rooms, function room and a main administration building. It is also the administrative home of Football West.

A $6.1 million investment includes two additional pitches and lighting, as part of expansion plans for the modern facility. The centre provides state-of-the-art training and playing facilities that also support grassroots, community and high-performance football programs.

The total package also includes additional support for Football West to provide a further boost for grassroots football in WA, through their work as the governing body.

The legacy package follows the $15 million increase to the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund as part of the 2023-24 Budget.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman notes "Our commitment to the development and promotion of WA sport and its infrastructure is backed up by significant budget allocations by the Cook Government that will provide a solid foundation for the future.

"This substantial financial support will create first-class facilities for both the sporting and wider communities and help boost participation in sport, particularly by women. We are determined to pursue other initiatives to meet ongoing needs and future requirements that will increase the participation of women in sport.

"This funding is an investment in sporting facilities, not just at the community level but also at the State level, with the hope of producing WA sports stars like Sam Kerr who can compete nationally and internationally well into the future."

Football Australia Chief Executive James Johnson adds "On behalf of Football Australia, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the WA Government for their pivotal community funding.

"This remarkable support not only underpins the lasting legacy of the FIFA Women's World Cup in WA but also illuminates the path for countless young talents through the Women's World Cup Legacy Grants program.

"The future shines brighter for football in our region, with improved facilities, enhanced infrastructure, and the promising expansion of community pitches at the WA State Football Centre.

"Together, we're building a brighter future for the beautiful game in Western Australia."

Images. Credit: Football West