AFL Gather Round legacy projects continue to boost grassroots South Australian footy with $3.2 million allocated to clubs and schools across the state via the South Australian Football Facilities Fund.
The fund, a partnership between the AFL, SANFL and the South Australian Government, will this year contribute to 33 projects with an estimated overall value of $50 million.
This includes the redevelopment of clubrooms and changerooms at Eastern Park FC, Elizabeth, Henley Sharks FC, Willaston FC, Hahndorf FC and Fitzroy FC.
Footy clubs across regional South Australia were also big winners in the third round of the program with projects funded including at Wudinna, Arno Bay and Robe.
Over the past three years, the fund has provided $8 million toward an estimated $96 million in projects, benefitting more than 40,000 footballers across South Australia.
The program has helped with changeroom upgrades, lighting, turf and irrigation, as well as goal posts, backing nets, interchange benches and scoreboards.
The State Government is serious about keeping South Australian kids off screens and ensuring that they can live active, health and happy lives, where smartphones and social media are not the defining feature of their childhood.
Programs like this provide alternatives to screen time by ensuring our sporting clubs and schools are properly resourced.
Quotes to be attributed to Andrew Dillon, AFL CEO
As the Festival of Footy returns to South Australia, Gather Round continues to deliver a lasting legacy beyond the elite game, driving investment into local clubs and communities through the South Australian Football Facilities Fund.
With more than 100 projects supported and $96 million in total project value generated since its inception, the initiative is helping to ensure local clubs have the facilities to create inclusive, high-quality spaces for their communities.
Quotes attributable to Darren Chandler, SANFL CEO
The South Australian Football Facilities Fund has brought the legacy of Gather Round to regional and metropolitan communities right across South Australia and that is something the SANFL is very proud of.
We have an obligation to provide the best facilities possible to meet the needs of our players, umpires, administrators and spectators for many years to come, and encourage new participants to join their local club.
It is important to emphasise that clubs right across the State have benefited from the Facilities Fund with over 50% of the funding allocated to regional areas.
