Western Australia football is set to enjoy benefits from the grassroots level in an effort to continue the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand legacy.
The Cook Labor Government is committing $9.3 million, with the funding a vital requirement for the young Western Australians wanting to participate following the success of the CommBank Matildas.
In addition, local women’s teams will enjoy a new $2.4 million Women’s World Cup Legacy Grants program. Each NPL club is eligible for up to $300,000 in funding for infrastructure and facility improvements to keep up with women’s participation.
A recently completed State Football Centre in Queens Park, valued at $50.8 million, has also been renamed as the Sam Kerr Football Centre, recognising the efforts of the CommBank Matildas captain. This centre has been the Matildas’ training base in Perth and will be a beneficiary of the legacy package.
In total, the facility includes 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 that also includes Football West.
A further $6.1 million investment for the centre will involve two additional pitches and lighting, as part of expansion plans for the ever-growing facility. The centre provides state-of-the-art training and playing facilities that also support grassroots, community and high-performance football programs.
As the governing body, Football West will continue to roll out programs and initiatives as part of the crucial funding.
Premier Roger Cook explained how the funding will create the legacy.
“Our Matildas are currently the biggest national sporting team in the country, and we cannot wait to celebrate their success and their legacy right here in Western Australia,” he stated via media release.
“The Women’s World Cup was an incredible tournament that Perth played a part in – and we want to make sure that the world game, and women’s football in particular, can continue to benefit from its success.
“Our Government’s investment in the women’s game is all about making sure every young Western Australian has the opportunity to become the next Sam Kerr.
“A key element of that is supporting grassroots clubs and a further investment in the State Football Centre – the WA home of football.”
Treasurer Rita Saffioti mentioned the importance of creating the best pathways for youth.
“By investing in key infrastructure that supports football in Western Australia, our State Government is creating a pathway for talented players to reach their full potential and compete at the highest level,” she stated via media release.
“We recognise that more needs to be done to support the game at grassroots level and this is what we are doing.”
Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman outlined where the facilities come into play.
“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,” he said via press release.
“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 CEO James Johnson delivered a final summary and thanked the WA Government for their investment.
“On behalf of Football Australia, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the WA Government for their pivotal community funding,” he added via press release.
“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.”
The legacy package follows the $15 million increase to the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund as part of the 2023-24 Budget.
