The Government will deliver an $18 million grant program over the next three years for dedicated female sporting facilities and improvements that grow female participation.
$10 million of the money will be quarantined for soccer, with Football South Australia agreeing to match the grants dollar for dollar through a range of funding sources including clubs, Football Australia, Local and Federal Government.
All funding will be allocated through an independently assessed grants program managed by the Office of Recreation and Sport, with further details to be announced later this year.
The Malinauskas Government has opted not to proceed with a public holiday in the event of the Matildas winning the World Cup, given the complexities and economic cost.
Treasury advice indicates an additional weekday public holiday would cost the SA Government alone in the order of $18 million.
The State Government’s $18 million investment in female sport will occur regardless of whether the Matilda’s progress beyond tomorrow night’s World Cup semi-final against England.
Football SA expects girls and women’s participation to grow by 33 per cent over the next three years on the back of the Women’s World Cup and the Matildas’ efforts.
The appetite for soccer in South Australia has never been so high, with clubs including Adelaide Comets saying their inboxes have been exploding as the parents of girls and boys look to find a team for their children.
41 projects with a total project cost of more than $42 million were funded through the former Labor Government’s Female Facilities Program and co-contributions launched in 2015.
Currently only one in four SA children 12 and under and 14% of those aged 13 to 17 are meeting national activity guidelines. This announcement will ensure there is a place for children and young people who want to be active.
$1m of FIFA Women’s World Cup Legacy funding announced by the Malinauskas Government last year enabled Football SA to employ development officers in the Adelaide Hills, Eyre Peninsula, Riverland and Limestone Coast.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
The Matildas’ efforts to date have been inspirational, and we know it is going to drive participation for more girls to take up football.
Without adequate investment there will be a gap between the desire to play and the resources to facilitate that will.
I understand the desire for some to celebrate a potential Matildas World Cup victory with a public holiday, but the truth is that would take time to organise and would come at an economic cost.
We’d rather make a lasting investment in the growth of women’s sport, so this World Cup can leave a strong legacy for our state.
Regardless of Wednesday night’s result, South Australian women and girls will be winners.
As put by Katrine Hildyard
The magnificent Matildas and this World Cup has been enthralling; these women, the best athletes in the world, are inspirational. Seeing them celebrated for being strong and powerful is transforming the way women and the roles they can play are seen.
We are serious about backing women in sport and creating a lasting legacy. Doing so means responding to their growing desire to take to the pitch and investing in the facilities they deserve. This exciting announcement does just that.
Today’s announcement demonstrates our steadfast commitment to enable girls and women to equally and actively participate in the sport they love.
It builds on $1m of legacy funding already committed by the Malinauskas Government to further women’s participation, leadership and to educate young athletes about domestic violence prevention. It will make a difference for generations to come.
As put by Michael Carter, CEO Football SA
We are all incredibly proud of the Matildas and the nation thanks the entire team for inspiring the next generation to play Football.
New and improved places to play has been one of three focus areas as part of Football SA’s Legacy Plan on the back of the Women’s World Cup.
The football family in the state congratulates and thanks the Malinauskas Government for investing in facilities to significantly improve the participation experience for women and girls.
This investment will be a game changer for women and girls’ participation in sport.
Go the Matildas.
As put by James Johnson, CEO Football Australia
We warmly welcome the South Australian’s funding commitment – an important investment that underlines the need for collaboration between government and sport in order to address football’s urgent grassroots facility needs.
Following the feats of the Subway Socceroos at the FIFA Men’s World Cup, Football Australia has enjoyed a 10% rise in national participation.
With the historic performances of the CommBank Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, we anticipate up to an additional 20% leap.
However, as we grow, so does the pressing need to bridge our facilities gap – a challenge highlighted by our trajectory, which, if not addressed, will compromise the health of our community, and limit positive life experiences for women and girls.
Our commitment to gender parity and inclusivity remains unwavering. Yet, we cannot overlook the infrastructure challenges our community clubs grapple with daily.
This is why the South Australian Government’s funding commitment is pivotal. Together with our government partners, and armed with compelling national facility audit insights, we can make smarter, more impactful investments in community football, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive community for every aspiring footballer.
