$2m first round of SA Football Facilities Fund for 40 grassroots footy clubs

More than 42 grassroots clubs had an extra reason to cheer after a last minute Gather Round announcement on the weekend.

New oval lighting, goalposts and delivery of compliant changerooms are among upgrades to more than 40 grassroots footy clubs funded under the new South Australian Football Facilities Fund.

The 42 clubs, representing 17 per cent of clubs in SA, will share in almost $2m of funding in the first round of the grants, which are a collaboration between the state government, the AFL and the SANFL.

Announced at the conclusion of AFL Gather Round, there were 28 metropolitan and 14 regional projects that received funding for projects totalling $19m in value.

SANFL CEO Darren Chandler, Premier Peter Malinauskas and AFL CEO Andrew Dillon with young local footballers Sassinia, Blake, Ellis and Emma. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

The projects, to deliver key infrastructure at community clubs, include delivery of compliant changerooms for players and umpires at five clubs, new oval lighting at 11 clubs and improved oval surfaces at two clubs.

Another 24 clubs will use the money to upgrade infrastructure for volunteers, players, officials and spectators, including through installation of new goalposts, backing nets, coaches boxes and scoreboards.

The remaining $6m in the total $8m pool of funding will be allocated over the next two years, with another round of grants expected to open in August this year.

Funding is available to Australian rules footy clubs, as well as local councils, umpire associations and schools or tertiary institutions.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said Gather Round was an “amazing celebration of football” that will again deliver a significant economic dividends for the state.

“But since the beginning, we’ve been determined to deliver something more – a lasting legacy to the social and sporting fabric of South Australia,” he said.

“The South Australian Football Facilities Fund is doing just that, delivering better facilities for men, women, girls and boys in community sporting clubs right across our

state.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said it was important that Gather Round extends beyond the fixture and has a long-term impact on footy in SA.

“As we strive towards one million participants by 2033 we know we need to continue to invest in local clubs and their facilities to ensure we’re providing the best experience and environment for players, coaches, volunteers and umpires,” he said.