Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres and the National Rugby League today announced the NSW Footy Facilities Fund is open for applications from 10 November 2014 to 9 January 2015. Funding is available for projects throughout NSW.

“This program is a terrific initiative of the National Rugby League (NRL) and the NSW Government that will help fund grassroots footy clubs in local and regional NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“The program aims to improve facilities for a variety of benefits including increasing participation, safety and security, environmental sustainability, social inclusion and building strong communities.”

The main objectives of the Footy Facilities Fund are to:
increase regular and on-going participation opportunities in Rugby League
improve the standard of Rugby League grounds and facilities

Additionally, applications can be strengthened by addressing one or more of the following:
improve safety at sport and recreation facilities (e.g. upgrade of field to provide a safer playing field, access pathways for players, disability ramps)
increase the security at sport and recreation facilities (e.g. installation of fencing)
remove barriers to promote inclusion in Rugby League (e.g. upgrade of amenities to increase female participation, provision of disability access, upgrade of referee amenities)
develop environmentally sustainable sport and recreation facilities (e.g. installation of drainage, rainwater tank, upgrade lighting for environmental impact)
build strong communities

NRL Head of Football, Todd Greenberg said grassroots facilities were crucial to the success of Rugby League.

“Every parent wants their children to play footy at safe, secure and high quality venues,” he said.

“This program not only improves facilities at local footy clubs but it provides the services needed to enable more youngsters, particularly those with disabilities, to be part of our game.

“And that is crucial because there is a place in rugby league for everyone,” Mr Greenberg concluded.