Work will commence over the next six months and include projects such as construction of family friendly changerooms, lighting upgrades and playing surface improvements.

The 12 projects were recommended to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard by a panel made up of members from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, South Australian National Football League (SANFL), South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) and Netball SA.

Minister Corey Wingard said in light of COVID-19 and its impact on sport, it’s now more important than ever to invest in the future of South Australian sport so it can emerge stronger on the other side.

“By getting these projects started, we’re giving these venues the best chance to bounce back from this pandemic by attracting more community sports participants,” the Minister said.

“The aim of the Grassroots Program remains the same - to develop core infrastructure which increases participation through the development of good quality, well designed and utilised facilities.

“We’re excited to see the outcomes of Round 2 where a $6 million investment will contribute to more than $27 million in project value.”

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Jake Parkinson welcomed the State Government’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports facilities and said he was thrilled the program has been extended to a third round of grants, especially during this challenging time for clubs across state.

“This is a unique collaborative multi-sports approach to facilities funding enhanced by commitments from local government,” Mr Parkinson said.

“As a result, we are better positioned to ensure the future sustainability and success of community football clubs through much-needed quality, well-designed shared-use facilities.

“The AFL’s contribution to this funding program also underpins its vision to support and continue the great growth in SA."

SACA Chief Executive Officer Keith Bradshaw said the latest round of infrastructure projects will provide multi-purpose, flexible facilities that will serve the diverse and growing number of cricketers across the state.

“SACA appreciates the support of our program partners, local government and cricket clubs who are ensuring that South Australian communities will have great places to play when cricket starts again,” Mr Bradshaw said.

Netball SA Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Klei said the Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball Program demonstrates how three major sports can collaborate to achieve great outcomes for community sport.

“I’m thrilled that netball clubs and associations will benefit from improved facilities and the flow on effect that will have on their members,” Ms Klei said.

“I know our regional members will be very pleased with the announcements of round two funding for projects such as Jamestown, Clare, Goolwa and the Mid Hills Netball Association.”

The majority of clubs and councils who apply are required to contribute at least 50% of the project costs and need to work with the ORSR, SANFL, SACA and/or Netball SA to produce the best application possible.

Applications for the Grassroots Football, Cricket, and Netball Facility Program – Round 3, worth $5 million, are open now and will close Thursday, 30 April.

To apply visit the ORSR website https://www.orsr.sa.gov.au/funding/apply_for_funding/gfcnfp

Grassroots Football, Cricket, and Netball Facility Program – Round 2 successful applicants:

1. Adelaide Hills Council $490,000 -To redevelop and upgrade two existing change rooms to unisex, construct two new unisex change rooms in a second storey to be added to the building, and to upgrade the cricket nets, at Heathfield Oval, Heathfield.
2. Adelaide University Sports Association $675,000 -To install new modular unisex change room facilities at the Adelaide University West Beach Playing Fields, West Beach.
3. Alexandrina Council $800,000 -To construct a new comprehensive modular multi-purpose community sporting facility, including four unisex change rooms, community spaces, player and spectator amenities, umpire and official areas, administrative spaces, and storage at the Goolwa Oval Sporting Precinct, Goolwa.
4. Cherry Gardens Ironbank Recreation Ground $255,000 -To install new modular unisex change room facilities, including umpires change rooms, medical rooms and an operable wall to allow the space to also be used for active recreation, at the Cherry Gardens Ironbank Recreation Ground, Cherry Gardens.
5. City of Tea Tree Gully $335,000 - To redevelop change rooms and amenities to unisex at Tea Tree Gully Sportsman's Club, Banksia Park.
6. Corporation of the City of Campbelltown $245,000 -To assist in the construction of a new community pavilion including unisex change rooms at Max Amber Reserve, Paradise.
7. Corporation of The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters $490,000 -To redevelop and upgrade existing change rooms, and construct new unisex change rooms incorporating umpires change rooms, at Payneham Oval, Payneham.
8. Henley Football Club Incorporated $450,000 -To install new sports flood lighting at the Henley and Grange Memorial Oval and at Henley High School, Henley Beach.
9. Mid Hills Netball Association $99,000 -To resurface six courts, and upgrade to compliant LED sports lighting on courts 1-12, at the Mid Hills Netball Association, Woodside.
10. The Barossa Council $881,000 - To redevelop and upgrade existing change rooms to unisex, construct two new unisex change rooms, install a new junior oval, upgrade community spaces and install new cricket nets at the Angas Recreation Park, Angaston.
11. The Clare Sports Club $880,000 -To construct a new unisex change room facility including umpires rooms, medical rooms, a function centre, outdoor spectator seating, and viewing areas at the Clare Oval Sporting Precinct, Clare.
12. Victoria Park Jamestown Management Committee $400,000 - To construct new unisex change rooms at the Victoria Park Community Sporting Hub, Jamestown.