With the NSW Election for 2023 on Saturday, March 25 fast approaching, the Labor and Liberal parties have stated their promises for sporting investment if re-elected.
Football clubs, associations and organisations will be carefully assessing a vote that goes towards their own growth opportunities, in the lead up to an election where cost of living and housing affordability are at the top of the agenda.
Sporting clubs will get their slice of the funding pie, with promises made by the heavyweight governments. Soccerscene takes a look at where funding from Labor and Liberal will go to clubs in NSW if re-instated by the votes over the weekend.
Labor:
- Kemps Creek United Soccer Club will receive $50,000 for a new drainage system at their home of Bill Anderson Reserve, as per Nathan Hagarty – Labor Candidate for Leppington. This will go towards improving the overall playing surface and improving the ability to deal with significant downpour and wet weather.
- Revesby Rovers Football Club will receive $80,000 from Labor Candidate Kylie Wilkinson for the upgrade of the amenity building and changerooms at Amour Park. With only 25% of NSW of amenities being female friendly, this would bridge the gap for equality across the state.
- At the start of February, Labor responded to the ‘Playing Catch Up’ Report by increasing the Organisation Support Funding for State Sporting Organisations. This Sport NSW report was designed to address the need for funding and requesting more than the current level on offer, which Labor is committed to building if they win the election.
Liberal:
- Helensburgh Thistles Football Club will gain $5 million from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to give Rex Jackson Oval a complete makeover with two new multipurpose courts, a synthetic field, upgraded lighting and improved amenities – all to promote greater participation year-round.
- Queen Elizabeth Park will enjoy infrastructure improvements that cater for the only all-female club in Football Canterbury, and in the state electorate of Drummoyne, which is Russell Lea Women’s Soccer Club. The funds will create an inclusive and welcoming club to be part of.
- Menai Hawks FC will welcome $1.5 million to go towards their home of Buckle Reserve, where NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet and Liberal Candidate for Holsworthy, Tina Ayyad, were on site to unveil plans for a new hybrid surface with drainage and irrigation – extending the life and quality of grass.
Labor and Liberal have made their intentions clear before NSW residents hit the polling booths, as these sporting commitments show that there is still room for investment in the game.
