The City of Canterbury Bankstown Council has announced it will waive ground hire costs in the area, to lessen the financial burden for clubs in the relevant associations.
Mayor of the council, Khal Asfour, explained the decision for community football clubs in the Bankstown District Amateur Football Association and the Canterbury District Soccer Football Association.
“I’m really proud to confirm Council is waiving field hire fees and charges for our local sports organisations for this year’s Winter season,” he said.
“A total of $261,920 will remain with these local organisations and more than 70 per cent of that amount represents our football clubs and associations.
“The Bankstown District Amateur Football Association alone has about 6000 members who play nearly 500 games every weekend. We know football is growing in popularity locally, and waiving these fees and charges will help our grassroots clubs hold on to that growth.
“Collectively it is a huge win for all sporting codes. Our community has 71 clubs and organisations with about 28,900 members in them. I’ve heard their calls for help loud and clear, and our decision means every single club, big or small, has another lifeline at a time when everyone has been hit for six. Every little bit of help counts.
“For many community members, local sport is where they feel the strongest sense of community connection. It’s crucial we see this continue, especially as this pandemic has shown us how big this is for everyone’s wellbeing. We’ll do all we can to protect that for our people.”
Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge echoed similar sentiments about the council’s decision.
“Well done to Canterbury Bankstown Council for pushing its support behind our code in what have been tough times for the sport.
“Decisions and moves such as this from Canterbury Bankstown Council go a long way to assuring our clubs and players are well supported and will continue to provide a positive and significant benefit to the community.”
