NSW Government release Organisation Support Program

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Image credit: Football NSW website

The Organisation Support Program (OSP) provides two-year funding from 2024 to 2026 to eligible State Sporting Organisations (SSOs) and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disabilities (SSODs) in NSW.

This program allocated up to 20 million dollars will give financial support for governance, participation growth, sporting activities, and competitions, especially for underrepresented groups in sports at all levels.

Funding of up to $20 million has been allocated for this program.

The Program is a closed, non-competitive grant program where applications are assessed individually against the assessment criteria by the Office of Sport.

Important dates

  • Applications open – Wednesday 2 October 2024
  • Applications close – 1 pm, Friday 29 November 2024
  • Application outcome date – October 2024 onwards
  • Timeframe for grant acceptance – Within 6 weeks of notification
  • Project delivery timeframe –
    • For 2024/25 funded initiatives: 30 June 2025
    • For 2025/26 funded initiatives: 30 June 2026

The breakdown of Funding is done by categories from 1-6 which are based on the capacity of organisations to deliver services.

The following table shows the eligible funding by category:

Category            OSP Amount Available

1                                $195,000

2                                $180,000

3                                $120,000

4                                $80,000

5                                $50,000

The objective of the OSP is to develop sporting activities at all levels in NSW by assisting SSO/SSODs and Peak Bodies to:

  • Strengthen sector capability to address trends, challenges and governance.
  • Create inclusive environments and enhance participation, especially for under-represented groups.
  • Support organisational operations and sports development pathways.

Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants website to be eligible.

This grant shows the NSW government are dedicated to delivering financial support to all sports of the state.

This program’s central goal of increased inclusion, especially with Female and People with Disability initiatives, showcases the wider call for more funding and support for under-represented groups in sport.

Recent reports express that wide numbers of under-represented participants are met with under-funded systems which are struggling with demand.

This grant opportunity is an effective way for Sports Organisations to take the next step in supporting sporting growth at all levels.

Read more here.

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Adelaide United renews StudyAdelaide partnership for Asian campaign

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Image Credit: AFC

Adelaide United has brought back a familiar commercial partner for its return to continental competition, with StudyAdelaide signing on as front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two campaign.

The partnership reconnects two South Australian organisations after StudyAdelaide previously featured on Adelaide United’s shirt during their 2010 AFC Champions League campaign.

Adelaide commenced their six-match group-stage campaign on Thursday at Hindmarsh, defeating Hong Kong’s Tai Po 3-0.

For StudyAdelaide, the value of the partnership extends beyond traditional football sponsorship. The organisation, a partnership between the South Australian Government and more than 50 education institutions, is using Adelaide United’s Asian competition to promote South Australia as an international study destination.

The club’s continental schedule provides exposure in several key Asian markets, with Adelaide travelling to face BG Pathum United in Thailand and Lion City Sailors in Singapore during the group stage.

StudyAdelaide chief executive Jane Johnston said the partnership would provide a great opportunity to connect with young people across Asia.

“Having StudyAdelaide featured throughout this international competition is a unique platform to connect with young people across Asia and highlight the many reasons South Australia is their best option to study, live and build a career,” Johnston said.

The deal illustrates how football’s international competitions can provide commercial value beyond traditional brand exposure, particularly for organisations looking to promote to a specific or new region.

The Reds’ ACL Two campaign continues against BG Pathum United in Thailand on October 15.

Arncliffe Aurora’s Riverine Park investment creates a platform for growth

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Image Credits: Arncliffe Aurora

Arncliffe Aurora Football Club has started a new chapter with the launch of Riverine Park, creating a larger platform for football, community engagement and long-term growth in Sydney’s St George region. More than 2,500 people attended the community opening on 8 August, marking the club’s first matches at its new home and showcasing a significant upgrade in its operating capacity.

Riverine Park provides two full-size natural turf football fields, modern player and community amenities, and a new clubhouse. The additional capacity responds to strong growth in Arncliffe Aurora’s football programs, particularly at junior level. The club has also highlighted a $2.5 million investment in facility upgrades. Together with its existing Arncliffe Park base, Riverine Park gives Aurora two homes and a stronger physical platform for its football operations.

More capacity allows the club to accommodate more teams, players and programs, while updated facilities can support stronger member retention and recruitment. They create more opportunities for coaching, development programs, events and community activities. The new site can also strengthen the club’s commercial proposition; a modern facility gives sponsors greater visibility and provides more opportunities to activate partnerships around football and community events. It can also help the club build relationships with schools, community organisations and football bodies. That matters as grassroots clubs increasingly operate as community hubs rather than simply sporting organisations.

Riverine Park also creates opportunities for the wider football ecosystem. Football St George has identified the facility as a platform to grow participation and provide opportunities for players of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. Bayside Council’s project includes upgraded change rooms, toilets, canteen facilities, lighting, seating and solar panels, adding further functionality to the precinct.

For Arncliffe Aurora, the investment is therefore about more than adding fields. It creates infrastructure that can support participation, player development, community programs and commercial activity over the long term. The challenge now shifts from construction to utilisation. The club must maximise the new capacity, maintain the assets and convert greater participation into a sustainable operating model to benefit the community long-term.

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