Funding of $2.8 million is available through the first round of The Power of Her - Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), dedicated to female sporting facilities, improvements, programs and projects that grow female participation.

The State Government has committed $18 million over the next three years to help empower SA girls and women to pursue the sport they love.

The grant program was announced amid the success of the CommBank Matildas at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the funding round opens as the Matildas confirm they will play the Adelaide Oval for the first time in May.

$10 million of the IPP funding will be quarantined for football. Applicants will need a funding partner to contribute a minimum of 50 per cent, meaning at least another $10 million will be unlocked.

This is in addition to more than $120 million invested into football infrastructure, programs and development in South Australia over the last decade by the State Government.

Football SA expects girls’ and women’s participation to grow by 33 per cent over the next three years on the back of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Matildas’ efforts.

By providing safe and accessible spaces, programs and equipment that foster female sporting participation, we will aim to meet this growth in participation and provide a place for girls and women who want to be active.

Currently only one in four SA children 12 and under, and 14 per cent of those aged 13 to 17, are meeting national activity guidelines.

This initiative tackles physical activity and builds on the State Government’s efforts to address inequality, following on from last year’s successful The Power of Her Women in Leadership Symposium, other FIFA Women’s World Cup legacy initiatives and the re-establishment of the Women in Sport Taskforce.

Applications for the IPP close midday on Wednesday 3 April 2024. Click here for more information on the application process and eligibility.

Quotes attributable to Michael Carter, Chief Executive Officer, Football SA

Initiatives that support the improvement of spaces to play for our rapidly growing football community are to be applauded.

Football SA is thankful of the Malinauskas Government’s support of our Women’s World Cup legacy plan off the back of one of the most successful sporting events to be held in Australia in recent history.

The funding announcement to support women and girls’ infrastructure will have a profound impact on future participants in sport.