The State Government is taking decisive action to ensure the Matildas’ history-making FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign will leave a lasting legacy in South Australia, through a $28 million commitment to dedicated female sporting facilities.
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 for Recreation, Sport and Racing, with further details to be announced later this year.
The State 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 Matildas 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 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 State Government last year enabled Football SA to employ development officers in the Adelaide Hills, Eyre Peninsula, Riverland and Limestone Coast.
