Northern NSW Football opens applications for NNSWF Facilities Fund

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NNSWF

Applications are now open for the fourth round of Northern NSW Football’s Facilities Fund.

Northern NSW Football’s Facilities Fund was established in 2019 and aligns with the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy.

The fund has seen NNSWF invest $714,928 in community football infrastructure projects since its inception, with partner funding of $848,199 taking the total project value to $1,563,127.

These 14 projects have supported more than 6,500 players, referees, coaches and volunteers, and have included lighting, amenities and field upgrades.

The Facilities Fund was established in order to assist football clubs to partner with local stakeholders such as Local Government Authorities, state government, schools, other sports and relevant landowners to improve the football experience for players, referees, coaches and volunteers and to provide opportunities for more participants to play more football more often.

In addition, the Facilities Fund seeks to improve the safety of community facilities, provide inclusive football opportunities within clubs and improve security at community football facilities.

Northern NSW Football Community Football Manager Ross Hicks says funding came from a portion of player registration fees, with football money going back into helping football clubs.

“The Facilities Fund provides clubs another avenue to seek significant funding for facility projects and in turn increase participation, improve safety and security, assist in building stronger communities through football and improve the overall football experience for their members and stakeholders,” Hicks told Northern NSW Football.

“We would particularly encourage clubs from the Football Far North Coast and North Coast Football regions that have been impacted by the devastating flood disaster earlier this year to make an application.

“We have seen the positive impacts the fund has already had on clubs and their facilities. This is a wonderful opportunity for clubs. Please don’t miss out.”

Applications opened on Wednesday June 1, with applications to close on Friday, July 15.

Successful applications will be announced in August to coincide with the Future of Football roadshow.

NNSWF is committed to improving places to play, a focus area set out in its Play On Strategic Plan. NNSWF’s goal is to increase the number of football facilities that are fit for purpose, welcoming and support the growth of the game.

Interested clubs can read the Facilities Fund Guidelines and apply HERE.

For more information or help in making an application contact NNSWF Community Football Manager Ross Hicks (4941 7200 or rhicks@northernnswfootball.com.au).

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Bank of Sydney Continues its Collaboration with Bentleigh Greens

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Image Credit: Bentleigh Greens

Bank of Sydney’s ongoing investment in community-driven initiatives continues to make a measurable difference across Australia.

As an organisation that prioritises people over transactions, the bank has built a strong reputation for supporting grassroots sport, local schools, charities and cultural groups. Its focus on strengthening neighbourhoods and fostering inclusion aligns directly with the ethos of Bentleigh Greens. This shared vision makes the partnership both natural and highly valued.

The renewed sponsorship will allow Bentleigh Greens to expand programs that support young players and families. The club will invest further in junior development pathways, facility upgrades and new opportunities for children from all backgrounds to play and grow at Kingston Heath, with participation continuing to rise each year.

With Bank of Sydney’s backing, the club can keep delivering accessible, high-quality football experiences for the entire community.

Supporting the Future of Grassroots Football

Crucially, this support has direct implications for the long-term health of grassroots soccer in Australia. Community clubs like Bentleigh Greens sit at the base of the nation’s football pyramid. They nurture the talent, passion and skills that eventually reach elite levels. Strong sponsorship helps these clubs operate confidently and sustainably.

Partnerships like this also help level the playing field for families who may struggle to participate. More funding lowers barriers to entry and increases scholarship opportunities. It also strengthens support for young players from newly arrived or financially disadvantaged backgrounds. In a multicultural region like Melbourne’s south-east, this impact is significant. It ensures football stays a unifying space where every child can belong.

For the sport more broadly, committed sponsors act as catalysts. They help clubs plan for the future, develop stronger pathways and create environments that keep players engaged well into their teens. By backing grassroots programs today, partners like Bank of Sydney help build the talent pipeline that will drive the national game forward in the next decade.

Bentleigh Greens look forward to working closely with Bank of Sydney throughout the 2026 season. Together, they will continue strengthening the foundations of local football and enriching the community that supports it.

Bayswater City out as 2025 Australian Championship Finals kick off

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Image Credit: Australian Championship

Bayswater City has just been knocked out of the Australian Championship after a disheartening 4-1 loss to Group D winners Wests APIA in Sydney.

The loss leaves Bayswater City third in the group, behind MetroStars on goal difference, ending their campaign in the inaugural season of the national second-tier competition.

Sunday’s game demanded Baysie secure at least a point to advance into the finals. Following MetroStars’ 2-0 win over Sydney United 58 earlier in the day, Bayswater needed to claim second place in their group. Missing key players Paddy Loughrey, Chris Jackson, and Oli La Galia, Bayswater faced an uphill battle and fell behind 2-0 by halftime.

Second Half Struggles

Bayswater’s challenges deepened when Sean McManus was sent off early in the second half. Aidan Edwards briefly revived hopes with a superb goal from the edge of the box. As Bayswater pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Wests APIA sealed the result through Oscar Gonzalez and Domenic Costanzo, cementing a 4-1 lead. Head coach Matt Sparrow expressed disappointment but praised his squad’s resilience across the tournament. Bayswater recorded three wins and a draw from six matches against elite opposition.

Looking Ahead

Although the season’s conclusion is disappointing, their performance and debut in the inaugural season of the second-tier national competition remains a promising sign for the club’s future. For fans and the club alike, attention now shifts to the remainder of the tournament for the other teams, as well as offseason planning and preparations for next season.

The elimination of Bayswater this season marks the start of the first-ever Australian Championship Quarter-Finals. Moving ahead are the top two teams from each group, kicking off with Wests APIA and the Marconi Stallions. The quarter-finals introduce a knockout stage where eight teams will compete for semi-final spots and the national title. Fans can expect high-stakes action while clubs like Bayswater look ahead to rebuilding. The finals will be streamed live on SBS on Demand and Football Australia’s YouTube.

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