The success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 continues to leave a legacy for football in NSW following the awarding of more than $3.2 million in the NSW Football Legacy Fund.
More than 90 community football projects received funding for new facilities and participation initiatives that will benefit all levels of the game.
The funding is part of the NSW Government’s $10 million NSW Football Legacy Program that is supporting the construction of new and upgraded facilities, participation initiatives, high performance, leadership and development programs as well as tourism and international engagement as a direct result of NSW hosting games at the tournament.
The NSW Football Legacy Fund is a collaboration between the NSW Office of Sport Football Australia, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football with $6.3 million awarded for almost 200 projects across the two rounds of the Fund.
The Minns Government also recently launched the Level the Playing Field program, delivering more than $30 million dollars to improve female sporting infrastructure across the state; the Football in Schools program, a $14.6 million program delivering a wide range of initiatives to get more students participating in sport and living healthier lives; and the Local Sports Grants providing $4.65 million to grassroots sporting clubs across the state.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 tournament set new records with more than 1.9 million spectators attending games and almost 750,000 fans attending FIFA Fan Festivals throughout the tournament with the Matildas Semi-Final appearance and fourth-placed finish Australia’s best ever result at a FIFA World Cup.
For further information on the NSW Football Legacy Fund including the full list of recipients visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/nsw-football-legacy-fund
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the success of the tournament and the Matildas results helped to unlock the potential of women’s and girl’s sport in this country.
“Programs like the NSW Football Legacy Fund will make sure that everyone involved in the sport, from young girls lacing up their boots for the first time, to experienced players, coaches and officials will be able to build on the momentum that has been created and realise their potential," Minister Harrison said.
“While there is still considerable work to be done, projects delivered through this program will help level the playing field for women’s sport.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 took women’s sport in Australia to new levels.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the momentum created by the Matildas success leaves a positive legacy for women and girls at all levels of football," Minister Kamper said.
“The $3.2 million awarded today for new facilities and participation initiatives through the NSW Football Legacy Fund will ensure that women’s football in NSW benefits from NSW hosting games long after the final ball is kicked.”
Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas said football NSW is excited to see further football projects come to fruition thanks to the announcement of recipients of the 2nd round of the NSW Football Legacy Fund.
“The excitement from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is already evident with huge increases in registration numbers for summer football.
“The infrastructure projects will focus on improving player experiences and safety through facility upgrades including lighting and drainage and creating more modern and accessible amenities for local communities.
“The participation funding initiatives support the statement ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’, targeting female growth towards gender parity in all aspects of the game including players, coaches, referees, and leadership roles.”
Northern NSW Football CEO Peter Haynes said the nation was captivated and inspired by the success of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, demonstrating the desire for expansion within female football in our country.
“This funding will allow for new facilities and participation initiatives to be implemented, which will significantly improve the experience of women and girls within our game which is a big win within the northern NSW football community.”
