The State Government has teamed up with SANFL and the AFL to deliver an $8million funding program to benefit local footy clubs and support continued growth of the game.

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 

Applications close Wednesday 21 February 2024