The NSW Government’s Level the Playing Field Program gives women’s football a necessary boost

Harnessing the popularity of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the NSW Government’s Level the Playing Field Program is investing $30 million into supporting 26 new women’s sports projects.

Since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the amount of women participating in club football has increased by 17%.

This huge influx is a massive opportunity for Football NSW to support the growth in the women’s game with ambitious schemes.

The NSW Government website says the program investment will revive sports facilities by providing new or upgrading existing sports facilities, amenities, and sporting fields.

Funding will also support the provision of new and upgraded lighting that will enable more women and girls to train and compete in sport in a safe and inclusive environment.

The investments are said to be at least $200,000 and at most two million meaning these grants are only presented to large infrastructure or facility development.

All construction is planned to be started by September 2024 and completed by September 2026.

If they can’t match it, however, they can apply for financial hardship and outline why this is necessary for their case.

If they are non-government organisations, a financial contribution isn’t required – it is looked upon favourably if a partial contribution is presented.

Football received one of the largest portions of the grant with (34%) or nine million dollars’ worth being distributed to the footballing community.

Football NSW Clubs and Associations received a total of $5.3 million, representing 19% of the total program.

Below is a table showcasing some of the prospected developments.

Club Venue Project Amount
All Saints Hunters Hills FC Gladesville Reserve New Amenity Building $1,905,678
Illawarra Stingrays FC Lakelands Oval Field, Amenity and Lighting Upgrade $2,000,000
Southern Tablelands FA Cookbundoon Sporting Complex Lighting Upgrade $872,744

Football NSW’s HQ Valentine Park has also been successful in receiving $600,000 in funding for upgrades to two fields and the futsal stadium.

Football Australia had a crucial role in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and helped cultivate this increase in popularity for women’s sports and primarily football.

This program will build upon this upward trajectory, increasing the structure and capabilities of the women’s game at association levels.

These investments will not only attract women to the sport but are functional enough that can maintain the players and involvement.

From this base, there is a growing avenue for more investment and engagement in the women’s game from grassroots all the way up the pyramid.

This large investment is integral to the upholding of the 50/50 participation equality mission by the FA for 2026-2027.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper summed up well how the program aims to support women’s sport.

“By transforming and expanding sports facilities across NSW we are enabling more women and girls to participate in sport,” he said via media release.

“But most importantly, we are providing safer, more comfortable and more inclusive facilities, breaking down the barriers that have traditionally prevented many women from participating in sport.”

It’s encouraging signs of the commitment to women’s football, not to mention the wider elevation of women’s sport as a whole.

These grants prove that the women’s game is not stopping anytime soon and is a constantly growing part of football and sport in Australia.

It is a massive step in the right direction and not an opportunity for a fan or shareholder to be missed.

For further information on the Level the Playing Field Program, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/level-the-playing-field-program

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AFC aligns with AIAC for improved football dispute resolution

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), highlighting their dedication to fortifying football law and to providing multiple sports dispute resolution pathways in Asia.

The MoU, signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, is a three-year agreement which aims to cultivate greater collaboration between the AFC and AIAC.

The agreement is the latest in a long running partnership for the AFC and AIAC. Since 2015, the organisations have cooperated to host seminars, conferences and training programs, focused on educating the public and officials about sports law and dispute resolution.

AFC General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs, Andrew Mercer, expressed his excitement for the agreement via press release.

“We are delighted to formalise this important collaboration with the AIAC, who share common interests and values to promote academic and practical training in sports specific alternative dispute resolution in Asia,” he said.

AIAC Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Almalena Sharmila Johan, conveyed a similar sentiment.

“As we embark on this partnership, we celebrate the convergence of our expertise, values and dedication to raising the standards of ADR within the sporting community. The ASIAN Sports Arbitration Rules exemplified our commitment to advancing the spirit of justice in the sports industry as a whole, by providing a comprehensive framework for expedient dispute resolution that best preserves fairness and integrity within sports,” she said via press release.

This latest agreement will facilitate the AFC’s and AIAC’s desire to operate a yearly workshop or conference concentrating on sports law.

Both organisations wish to voice a plurality of opinions across Asia to explore conversations about recent sports law trends and developments across the continent and the world.

Additionally, this space would also provide an opportunity to discuss and review best law practices and alternative dispute resolution methods to find new solutions and remedies that will strengthen the future of Asian sports law.

FIFPRO Europe and UEFA sign MoU to enhance players’ influence

UEFA and FIFPRO Europe have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening players’ influence in European football governance.

As part of the agreement signed by both organisations’ leaders in Paris, a FIFPRO Europe representative will join UEFA’s executive committee starting May 2025.

UEFA has also pledged to consult FIFPRO Europe on decisions affecting players’ employment conditions and any competition reforms that could influence players’ workload.

Additionally, active players and player representatives will take part in a new UEFA Professional Players’ Advisory Forum, set to begin meeting next month to discuss solutions for collective challenges facing professional footballers in Europe.

This three-year MOU will grant footballers and their unions more influence over decisions impacting their work, including match calendar adjustments, playing conditions, and health and safety issues.

The agreement also establishes a framework for FIFPRO Europe and UEFA to work together on initiatives to advance women’s football, focusing on fair employment conditions and minimum standards.

The two organisations will also collaborate on medical research, player education, and awareness campaigns addressing doping and discrimination.

Additional collaboration areas include strengthening stakeholder dialogue at both national and European levels, exploring joint commercial opportunities involving player data and intellectual property rights, and offering support to players who are out of contract.

FIFPRO President, David Terrier, was full of positive thoughts regarding this agreement.

“This agreement is a hugely positive milestone for professional players across Europe. With player representation now anchored at UEFA’s highest level, we are securing a stronger voice for players where it matters most,” he said via press release.

“Our ongoing dialogue with UEFA is already yielding positive results, and this MoU will only strengthen our ability to shape a framework that will advance player welfare and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for football, where the needs and rights of players shall always be at the forefront, both on and off the pitch.”

UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, is confident their relationship with FIFPRO will support the growth of football for all.

“This partnership represents a new era in our relationship with FIFPRO Europe. Players are at the heart of football, and their perspectives must shape the decisions taken,” he said via press release.

“By inviting them to join the UEFA Executive Committee, we are creating a more inclusive future for the game, one in which the topic of player welfare will be at the forefront. This is about making tangible strides to ensure football continues to grow for everyone.”

You can view the MOU here.

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