ALMOST 40 community footy projects across South Australia, from major club redevelopments to turf and lighting upgrades, will share in approximately $3 million of funding through round two grants from the South Australian Football Facilities Fund.
The $8 million fund is a collaboration between the Malinauskas Government, the AFL and SANFL to support the continued growth of footy in SA through infrastructure investment as part of the legacy of AFL Gather Round.
This year's funding will assist 37 projects, including 20 in regional SA and 17 in metropolitan Adelaide and surrounds, taking total investment from the fund to nearly $5 million since its launch in 2024.
Footy clubs, councils and schools from Ceduna on the Eyre Peninsula to Glencoe in the Lower South East will put the 2025 funding allocation towards $33.4 million in key infrastructure projects including:
- Player, umpire and spectator facility upgrades at eight venues
- New lights at nine ovals
- Irrigation and turf upgrades at two ovals impacted by drought
- Supporting infrastructure such as new goal posts, backing nets and scoreboards at 18 venues.
From this year's funding, $1.2 million has been allocated to three significant community projects:
- Plympton Sporting and Recreation Club precinct redevelopment ($500,000) to support significant participation growth at the Plympton Bulldogs Football Club
- Female friendly changerooms and educational space at Seaview High School in partnership with Glenelg Football Club to support their women’s and junior teams ($300,000)
- Adelaide Community Sports & Recreation Association – home of the Adelaide Lutheran Bulldogs – major facilities upgrade in the south Park Lands ($300,000)
Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Emily Bourke MLC:
"We are determined to use the success of Gather Round to benefit community sporting clubs and get more young people active.
"Upgraded infrastructure and modern facilities help build a platform for the next generation to chase their footy dreams, on ovals in all parts of the state.
"This investment also creates a better environment for staff, volunteers and spectators who are the heartbeat of our communities."
Quotes attributable to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon:
"After hosting Gather Round for the third time in SA, we are delighted with the progress of the South Australian Football Facilities Fund, as the legacy of this initiative continues to strengthen local clubs across the state.
"Since its inception the fund has helped us work towards ensuring our grassroots facilities are welcoming, inclusive and gender-friendly, which is vital as we strive to keep growing our game and reach our vision of one million participants by 2033.
"I'd like to acknowledge and thank Premier Malinauskas and SANFL CEO, Darren Chandler, for their contribution and commitment to the South Australian Football Facilities Fund and look forward to seeing the 2025 recipients begin their projects."
Quotes attributable to SANFL CEO Darren Chandler:
"We congratulate all the deserving recipients of the latest funding round of the SA Football Facilities Fund which has now supported 79 important projects across South Australia.
"The provision of high-quality facilities at all levels of our game is a priority for SANFL in maximising opportunities for people from all backgrounds and abilities to participate in our sport whether they're a player, spectator or umpire.
"We strongly support the investment of funding into educational institutions, which enable us to unlock much needed additional greenspace to facilitate the growth of our game, while also providing multi-purpose educational and sporting facilities for students to enjoy and thrive in.
"Sport is a positive force in shaping the health and wellbeing of communities, particularly in regional SA, and through this important partnership with the AFL and State Government, we can ensure Gather Round leaves an enduring legacy."
To view the full list of grant recipients in round one and two of the SA Football Facilities Fund, visit the SANFL website here.
