Facilities at Naremburn Park will be transformed to provide female friendly change rooms in a boost to women’s participation in grassroots sports.
Local football clubs and players have scored the funding as part of a $3.1 million program for 100 projects across NSW that will ensure the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will leave a lasting local legacy.
Announcing the boost with the Minister for Sport Alister Henskens at Naremburn Park today, Member for Willoughby Tim James said the change room upgrades and initiatives to boost women’s participation would inspire the next generation of footballers in the local community and lower the barriers for women and girls to get involved.
“From girls and boys lacing up their boots for the first time to participants in our elite development programs, local players and their sports clubs will benefit from projects funded through the NSW Football Legacy Program,” Mr James said.
“Sport is part of the fabric of our community and for too long unacceptable barriers have existed for women and girls wanting to join local sporting teams. Today we break down these barriers. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this program has on local teams at all levels.”
Willoughby City Council will be given funding to upgrade the Naremburn Park changerooms. The Northern Suburbs Football Association will receive funding for initiatives to promote women’s participation including development programs, flexible playing formats and online coaching platforms.
Mr Henskens said these projects and programs will ensure the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 leaves a lasting legacy for football across the State.
“Having the World Cup on home soil is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will inspire young girls and boys to lace up the boots an emulate their football heroes,” Mr Henskens said.
“With six months to go before the tournament kicks off, there is already an enormous buzz around football and this program will help local clubs capitalise on excitement by running programs that will boost participation in the sport.
“It will also deliver funding to improve infrastructure, creating more modern and accessible facilities for communities across NSW.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will feature 32 teams competing in 64 matches across Australia and New Zealand during July and August with seven games at Allianz Stadium and four at Accor Stadium, including a Semi Final and the Final.
For further information on fixtures and ticketing, visit the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM website.