An annual pool of $2.5 million will be available to Australian Rules footy clubs, local councils, umpire associations and schools or tertiary institutions through the newly established South Australian Football Facilities Fund.

Grants of up to $150,000 will support major facilities projects including changeroom upgrades, new ovals and lighting, and up to $50,000 will be available for smaller projects such as new goal posts, electronic scoreboards and irrigation improvements.

With the 2023 AFL Gather Round injecting over $85 million into the State’s economy, and with at least three more years to come, the State Government’s commitment is a legacy of the impact hosting this spectacular event has had and will continue to have on the state.

The SA Football Facilities Fund will contribute to the implementation of the SANFL Infrastructure Plan 2022-2032 and the achievement of identified targets in regions across SA with particular focus on increasing capacity of existing football venues to meet the growing number of teams and unlocking new venues to cater for future growth.

With the huge success of the first Gather Round, and the exponential growth of women’s and girls’ involvement in the sport since the launch of AFLW and SANFLW, comes the need for continued investment in the sport.

Applications for funding through the South Australian Football Facilities Fund can be submitted from today. For more information about the fund and how to apply, visit www.sanfl.com.au/safacilitiesfund.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard

Gather Round has brought visitors to our beautiful state and seen South Australians in their thousands flock to the footy and the incredible atmosphere and excitement it has created. It has also inspired greater participation in footy. We want local clubs and their communities to be enabled to respond to that growing participation and benefit from Gather Round in the long term.

This funding program will enable them to do just that. It is the perfect vehicle for local sporting clubs and communities to grow and improve their facilities

With girls from the age of five participating in entry level AFL Auskick doubling since 2016 and 60 per cent of changerooms not up to standard, it’s fantastic that this funding can go towards improving facilities to help ensure they can continue to chase their footy dreams and know they belong and are welcome to equally and actively participate.

Like many South Australians, I can’t wait for the next Gather Round and am so pleased that footballers in communities across the state will benefit from this Gather Round inspired funding program.

Quotes attributable to Andrew Dillon, AFL CEO

Following the first ever and hugely successful AFL Gather Round this year and the commitment to keeping the event in SA through to 2026, it is fantastic to strengthen our partnership with the South Australian Government and SANFL through the South Australian Football Facilities Fund.

Gather Round does not just impact the elite game. In 2023 we saw how it uniquely engaged local football clubs and communities across the state and generated an excitement that can inspire future generations.

The AFL is committed to supporting community football to ensure the game thrives. The $8 million funding program will help to leave a lasting, positive impact and provide South Australian local clubs and communities with facilities that support the game's growth.

Community football is the heartbeat of the game, particularly in a heartland football state like South Australia, and it is imperative that participants have access to welcoming, inclusive and fit-for-purpose facilities.

I would like to extend my thanks to the South Australian Government and Premier Malinauskas for their vision and commitment to expanding football in the state. Working alongside the State Government and SANFL, the AFL is excited to see outcomes that can be generated through the first South Australian Football Facilities Fund.

Quotes attributable to Darren Chandler, SANFL CEO

We’ve come a long way with facilities and have seen some fantastic projects undertaken over the past few years, however we still have 60 per cent of changerooms which are not of an adequate standard for female players and umpires.

There is also a critical need to cater for increasing capacity at existing venues by improving the quality of ovals, lighting and infrastructure, as well as identifying opportunities for new ovals to support an increasing number of female teams.

From SANFL clubs to local grassroots community clubs, the fund will enhance the capacity of facilities and create welcoming and inclusive environments for all genders and all-abilities.