Harnessing the popularity of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the NSW Government’s Level the Playing Field Program is investing $30 million into supporting 26 new women’s sports projects.
Since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the amount of women participating in club football has increased by 17%.
This huge influx is a massive opportunity for Football NSW to support the growth in the women’s game with ambitious schemes.
The NSW Government website says the program investment will revive sports facilities by providing new or upgrading existing sports facilities, amenities, and sporting fields.
Funding will also support the provision of new and upgraded lighting that will enable more women and girls to train and compete in sport in a safe and inclusive environment.
The investments are said to be at least $200,000 and at most two million meaning these grants are only presented to large infrastructure or facility development.
All construction is planned to be started by September 2024 and completed by September 2026.
If they can’t match it, however, they can apply for financial hardship and outline why this is necessary for their case.
If they are non-government organisations, a financial contribution isn’t required – it is looked upon favourably if a partial contribution is presented.
Football received one of the largest portions of the grant with (34%) or nine million dollars’ worth being distributed to the footballing community.
Football NSW Clubs and Associations received a total of $5.3 million, representing 19% of the total program.
Below is a table showcasing some of the prospected developments.
| Club | Venue | Project | Amount |
| All Saints Hunters Hills FC | Gladesville Reserve | New Amenity Building | $1,905,678 |
| Illawarra Stingrays FC | Lakelands Oval | Field, Amenity and Lighting Upgrade | $2,000,000 |
| Southern Tablelands FA | Cookbundoon Sporting Complex | Lighting Upgrade | $872,744 |
Football NSW’s HQ Valentine Park has also been successful in receiving $600,000 in funding for upgrades to two fields and the futsal stadium.
Football Australia had a crucial role in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and helped cultivate this increase in popularity for women’s sports and primarily football.
This program will build upon this upward trajectory, increasing the structure and capabilities of the women’s game at association levels.
These investments will not only attract women to the sport but are functional enough that can maintain the players and involvement.
From this base, there is a growing avenue for more investment and engagement in the women’s game from grassroots all the way up the pyramid.
This large investment is integral to the upholding of the 50/50 participation equality mission by the FA for 2026-2027.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper summed up well how the program aims to support women’s sport.
“By transforming and expanding sports facilities across NSW we are enabling more women and girls to participate in sport,” he said via media release.
“But most importantly, we are providing safer, more comfortable and more inclusive facilities, breaking down the barriers that have traditionally prevented many women from participating in sport.”
It’s encouraging signs of the commitment to women’s football, not to mention the wider elevation of women’s sport as a whole.
These grants prove that the women’s game is not stopping anytime soon and is a constantly growing part of football and sport in Australia.
It is a massive step in the right direction and not an opportunity for a fan or shareholder to be missed.
For further information on the Level the Playing Field Program, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/level-the-playing-field-program
