A Government program designed to increase female participation in sports will provide almost 50 clubs and organisations with support to upgrade and develop sporting facilities, programs and equipment.
Around $5.4 million has been allocated for the 2024-25 round of The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), which aims to create more inclusive spaces for girls and women in sports.
The funded projects include things like unisex clubrooms, better lighting and playing surfaces, new uniforms and equipment, and opportunities for professional development.
The South Australian Government led by Peter Malinauskas launched the program to build on the success of the Matildas and the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
To support the growth of girls’ and women’s football, 14 football clubs will receive nearly $2.4 million in funding this round.
Other sports also benefit from the program, such as basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, gymnastics, and Australian Rules Football, providing more chances for girls and women to get involved and succeed in their chosen sports.
For example, Norwood Basketball Club is receiving $14,600 to launch their ‘Rising Flames’ program, helping girls progress to elite senior levels and develop local talent.
Other projects funded through the program include:
- Metro United Women’s Football Club, Pooraka: $25,000 for new uniforms.
- Booleroo Centre Tennis Club: $80,000 to resurface three tennis courts, replace fencing, and build a new equipment shed for their drought-affected club.
- Cove Netball Hub: $392,700 to build four new netball courts in Hallett Cove.
- Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club: $750,000 (through the council) for a new clubroom, synthetic soccer pitch, and multi-purpose oval at Munno Para Regional Sportsground, Davoren Park.
So far, over $7.6 million has been distributed through the IPP, with the second year providing more than twice the amount of support compared to the first round.
Nearly half of the infrastructure project recipients this round – including Jervois Bluds Netball Club and Murraylands Gymnastics Academy – are located in regional and greater metropolitan areas, showing the broad impact on communities across South Australia.
The State Government has committed $18 million to the IPP over three years, with $10 million specifically set aside for football.
This effort is part of a wider push to eliminate barriers to female participation, including support for clubs with period products and menstrual health training.
South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily MLC Bourke highlighted the importance of supporting women in sport at a grassroots level.
“Our Government recognises the importance of supporting grassroots sports to ensure girls and women have opportunities to thrive in whichever sport they pursue,” she said in a press release.
“Having the right facilities, programs and equipment in place gives girls and women the space and confidence they need to get involved and stay active with their local club.
“As The Power of Her investment continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see clubs and organisations finding new and creative ways to grow female participation and facilitate high performance pathways in their communities.”
For more information, you can find the full list of 2024-2025 IPP grants here.
