This week’s football funding news ahead of election

Staff Writer

With the final debate conducted and early voting now open, the Australian Federal election is just a weekend away.

Across the week, the major parties once again announced investment and funding promises into football across the country.

Both Liberal and Labor parties supported funding for lighting upgrades at Allan and Don Lawrence Field in Thornton, New South Wales. A 45-minute drive out of Newcastle, the home of the Thornton Junior Football Club has been promised investment no matter who is elected.

Current Labor Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson and Liberal candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell would both see $150,000 invested as part of the #EQUALISER campaign.

After a lobbying process, the upgrades will add to the campaign’s goal to produce more female friendly facilities across the state to increase participation numbers in female football.

Labor

In Tasmania, Football Tasmania has welcomed Federal Labor’s commitment last week to a facility upgrade at Tynwald Park if elected to govern.

The Tynwald Park component forms part of a broader $5 million commitment to partner with the Derwent Valley Council to deliver the New Norfolk Sports Package.

The upgrades would include improvements to changing room facilities for the New Norfolk Panthers.

It is another boost to football in Tasmania, which has been promised a swathe of funding from both major parties if elected in various regions of the state.

Football Tasmania

Liberal

Also in Tasmania, the Liberal Party announced on Thursday that they will commit $480,000 towards upgrading Cardigan Street, home of the Somerset Sharks.

The announcement was made by Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce and will see the clubrooms and building extended if the Coalition forms government after the election.

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Victorian Government Renews $10,000 Sporting Club Grants to Power Grassroots Sport in 2025-26

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Victorian grassroots football club training session

The Victorian State Government has announced the renewal of the Sporting Club Grants Program for 2025-26, delivering another boost for local players, coaches, and volunteers across the state. The program offers up to $10,000 in funding for eligible non-profit clubs to strengthen participation, upgrade equipment, and enhance community engagement.

Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has invested more than $19.5 million into Victorian sport, empowering clubs to stay active and connected. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence praised the program for driving a “healthier, more connected Victoria,” highlighting its success in supporting grassroots development across all levels.

This year’s round places stronger focus on regional communities, following an additional $60 million investment in the Regional Community Sport Development Fund. The renewed focus ensures rural clubs—often the backbone of local communities—can access the same resources, skills, and opportunities as metropolitan teams.

Partnering with Active Victoria, the initiative aligns with the state’s 2022–26 roadmap, which champions inclusivity and representation across all sporting levels. The roadmap prioritises increased participation for women, queer, and underrepresented groups, reflecting the program’s role in building a fairer, more accessible sporting environment.

Beyond participation, the program also delivers significant economic benefits for regional areas, generating jobs and local investment through grassroots sport. By funding local initiatives, the government aims to create positive ripple effects that extend well beyond the playing field.

Applications for Round One open on October 23, 2025, and close on November 26, 2025. Clubs can apply across five categories: Uniform and Equipment, Volunteers and Officials, Access and Events, Travel, and Governance and Engagement. Round Two opens in early February 2026, closing mid-March.

For Victoria’s sporting communities, the renewed program marks another vital step in sustaining grassroots sport and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of connection, health, and community pride.

Growing Football Community Grants Support Capital Football Clubs

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Image credit: Northern NSW Football

Five Capital Football clubs have been awarded funding through Football Australia’s 2025/26 Growing Football Community Grants, supported by CommBank. Brindabella Blues, Burns FC, South Canberra, Tigers FC, and Weston Molonglo are the latest clubs to benefit from the initiative.

The Growing Football Community Grant program aims to assist clubs and associations in promoting the participation of women and girls in football. It also seeks to improve the experience for both new and returning players, support the training and development of community coaches, and create inclusive, safe environments that encourage lasting engagement.

Since its launch in 2023, the Growing Football Fund has awarded three rounds of Community Grants, benefiting 297 clubs nationwide—including 93 in regional and remote areas, highlighting the program’s dedication to increasing access and opportunities for football across Australia.

This ongoing investment plays a crucial role in helping Football Australia and CommBank achieve their ambitious target of engaging 50,000 female participants by 2026.

Football Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer, Heather Garriock praised the program’s impact on communities nationwide.

“We’re incredibly proud to see the Growing Football Fund continuing to make such a meaningful impact at the community level. These grants are not just about financial support – they’re about empowering clubs to create environments where women and girls feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to stay in the game,” she said via press release.

“It’s particularly exciting to see so many regional clubs amongst this year’s recipients, reflecting our ongoing commitment to growing football opportunities in every corner of the country.”

Commonwealth Bank Group Executive, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Monique Macleod emphasised its ongoing support for community football and the role of the Growing Football Fund in creating opportunities for women and girls.

“We’re proud to support grassroots football with the Growing Football Fund. This fund is all about giving more communities the chance to get involved, have a kick, and build a brighter future through football,” she said via press release.

“CommBank has backed this grants program from day one, and it’s great to see how these grants are already making a real difference for women and girls by opening up more opportunities and helping them stay connected to the game.”

Click here to view the full Growing Football Community Grant recipients.

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