This program will support the growth of women and girls sport in NSW after a recordbreaking FIFA Women’s World Cup during which the Matildas inspired the nation, and an unbelievable 12th World Cup championship win by the Diamonds at the Netball World Cup.
The Level the Playing Field program will allow grassroots sporting groups to access funding to upgrade and build sporting facilities for women and girls in their local communities.
The program is expected to fund 100 new and upgraded facilities and will contribute to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for women and girls to train and play, by delivering fit-for-purpose facilities and amenities such as change rooms, accessibility improvements, and improved lighting.
As part of the budget, the Minns Labor Government is also delivering on its promise to support local community and school sports through a number of other initiatives.
The Football in Schools Program in Western Sydney will also receive $14.5 million, partnering with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur Bulls to support local school sporting teams.
The Central Coast will receive $3.7 million to improve football infrastructure and programs.
This will include a synthetic playing field in Tuggerah, as well as training facilities for the new Central Coast Mariners A-Leagues Women’s team. Funding for these projects will be matched by the Central Coast Mariners.
This funding also includes $1 million for the Central Coast Mariners community programs for at-risk youth and disadvantaged adults.
The budget will more than double funding for state sponsored organisations (SSOs), such as Football NSW and Sport NSW, from $2.45 million to $5 million in 2023–2024, and $10 million in 2024–2025 and 2025–2026.
These new agreements will include incentives for SSOs to achieve specific outcomes in increasing female participation in their organisations and improving their governance.
