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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FIFA set new global benchmark for Women’s Football Development

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Image credit: Football West

In a landmark initiative for women’s football, FIFA has unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at reaching 60 million female players worldwide by 2027.

The comprehensive plan, supported by 13 distinct development programmes, is available to all 211 FIFA Member Associations, marking a significant step forward in the sport’s global evolution.

FIFA also took the announcement to highlight the achievements for women’s football in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Oceanic Football Confederation (OFC).

The recently enhanced FIFA Women’s Development Programme underscores the organisation’s strengthened commitment to expanding the women’s game.

The upcoming 2025 calendar promises several groundbreaking developments for women’s football.

The Philippines will host the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, while Morocco makes history as the first African nation to stage the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The latter tournament sees significant expansion, growing from 16 to 24 teams and shifting to an annual format.

International competition reaches new heights with continental championships scheduled across multiple confederations.

The pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 commences with African qualification matches, while major regional tournaments including the UEFA Women’s EURO and OFC Women’s Nations Cup will crown new champions.

In a significant advancement for club football, all six confederations will host their respective continental club championships for the first time.

This renewed focus comes amid unprecedented growth in participation rates, particularly evident in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host nations.

New Zealand has reported a remarkable 27 per cent surge in female participation since 2022, with particularly strong growth among Māori and Pasifika communities, showing a 14 per cent increase.

A strategic partnership between New Zealand Football and Māori Football Aotearoa further strengthens grassroots development.

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell voiced the federations successful results.

“The expansion of football and futsal in Aotearoa New Zealand has been extraordinary, with the Women’s World Cup serving as a genuine catalyst for growth,” he explained via official FIFA press release.

Across the Tasman, Football Australia’s Growing Football Fund Community Grants programme continues to foster development at the grassroots level.

The latest round of funding benefits 118 recipients, complementing the 121 projects supported in March 2024.

This initiative particularly emphasises regional development, with nearly half the grants allocated to areas outside major metropolitan centres.

The grants provide essential support for women’s football development, encompassing coach education, introductory programmes, and vital equipment procurement, further cementing the sport’s foundation at the community level.

Also within the AFC, footballing powerhouse Japan has successfully hosted the continent’s first female-exclusive Pro Licence coaching course.

A collaborative effort between FIFA, AFC, and the Japan Football Association (JFA), represents a significant milestone in professional football development.

The intensive seven-day course attracted participants from fourteen nations, featuring presents such as AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh and Japan men’s national team coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Participants gained valuable practical experience through observations of pre-season training sessions at both J.League and Nadeshiko League clubs.

JFA Technical Director Masanaga Kageyama emphasised the programme’s strategic importance and inclusivity.

“This course is a joint AFC/JFA initiative to increase the number of top-level, professionally licensed female coaches in Asia. It aims to provide existing talents with additional advice to help them achieve greater success in their current coaching positions and secure future success,” Kageyama explained via official FIFA press release.

This initiative aligns with JFA’s renowned long-term development philosophy and a significant advancement in creating pathways for women in professional football coaching.

This newly improved strategy at the global scale will hopefully allow for more women in both professional and amateur spaces to get the opportunities they deserve in football.

It also highlight’s that AFC & OFC nations, including Australia, will have a strong place within the growth of women’s football.

Read more on the FIFA Women’s Development Program here.

Active Industry Fund: Boosting sport and recreation in Tasmania

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Soccer youths

This funding initiative is aimed at supporting sport and active recreation providers across Tasmania, ensuring a stronger and more sustainable sporting landscape.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible organisations include:

  • State Sporting Organisations (SSOs)
  • State Disability Sports Organisations (SDSOs)
  • State Sector Service Providers (SSSPs)
  • State Active Recreation Providers (SARPs)
  • National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) or National Disability Sporting Organisations (NDSOs) operating in a unitary structure within Tasmania

Eligibility is determined at the time of application submission.

Purpose of the Funding

The Fund aims to provide financial support to sporting organisations to:

  • Boost participation and improve retention in sport and active recreation
  • Create safe, inclusive, and enjoyable sporting experiences
  • Strengthen governance capabilities within organisations and their affiliates
  • Support education and training, such as coaching, officiating, governance, child safeguarding, and administration

Available Funding

A total of $2.44 million will be distributed across 2025 and 2026. Successful applicants will receive multi-year (two-year) investment funding to support their programs and initiatives.

Why This Matters for Tasmanian Soccer

For Tasmania’s soccer community, this funding presents a significant opportunity to enhance grassroots programs, upskill coaches and officials, and improve player retention.

With increased resources, clubs can provide better facilities, develop youth talent, and create more inclusive pathways for participation.

Investing in sport means investing in community well-being, youth development, and the future of Tasmanian soccer—ensuring that the game continues to thrive for generations to come.

Applications for the Active Industry Fund (the Fund) will open on 15 January 2025 and close at 2:00 pm on 26 February 2025.

To find out more information about the grant, click HERE

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