Narrabeen FC, in conjunction with the Northern Beaches Council, is the latest club to be awarded funds from the NSW Football Legacy Fund – receiving $150,000 to improve amenities at Boondah Reserve.
The grant is a part of the $10 million NSW Football Legacy Fund, led by Football NSW (FNSW) and the NSW Government.
86 FNSW-affiliated clubs submitted proposals alongside their local council area for round 2 of the “infrastructure funding stream” in June last year.
31 applicants across the state, including Narrabeen FC and Northern Beaches Council, were successful.
In addition to providing their future plans, clubs were required to demonstrate their current output, particularly in terms of participation and community initiatives.
In 2023, Narrabeen FC recorded a female participation rate of 32%, sitting above the state average of 25%.
It is little surprise, then, that the club has been awarded funds to provide brand-new gender-neutral change rooms and female-friendly amenities for its rising female ranks.
FNSW released promising statistics last Friday, reporting a 23% increase in female registrations for football in 2024.
With demand surging, the Legacy Fund enables clubs to provide the best experience possible for participants, whether it be for improvements to infrastructure or greater access to football resources.
Narrabeen FC Club President, Rocky Giles, says the $150,000 grant is just reward for its efforts in building female participation.
“We take immense pride in the increasing participation of females in our club,” he said via press release.
“We are pleased to have projects such as this one to ensure a secure and inclusive environment, enabling all participants to relish their football experience with us.”
Further benefits from the grant include the reconstruction of its canteen facility for greater functionality, and fully accessible public toilets around the ground.
FNSW asserts that the Legacy Fund is a part of its current Football Infrastructure Strategy that aims to recognise and address gaps in football facilities.
In particular, it wants to partner with clubs and councils who are committed to their community and are eager to provide spaces that build inclusivity.
“The NSW Football infrastructure priorities are crucial as they provide a shared understanding and guide for all clubs in addressing the present and future demands, ensuring they have what is necessary,” the Fund’s Facilities and Grants Officer, James Spanoudakis, added via media release.
As the start of community football competitions nears, many spaces across New South Wales will be undergoing changes that promise to deliver users a long-lasting, positive football experience.
Some projects are already underway as of January this year, with all projects aiming to be completed by January 2025.
