Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres and NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg today announced funding worth almost $500,000 under the NSW Footy Facility Fund (FFF) program to 13 Rugby League clubs.

“The NSW Footy Facility Fund targets the needs of grassroots Rugby League clubs by helping to fund projects they have identified – from upgrading storage sheds, canteens and oval lighting to installing women’s change rooms, fencing or irrigation systems,” Mr Ayres said.

“After a very close competition and a gripping finals series, this important initiative will help increase more inclusive participation opportunities in Rugby League for men, women, girls and boys in communities across NSW.”

The program, jointly administered by Sport and Recreation and the Australian Rugby League Commission/National Rugby League, is an initiative of the NSW Government and the NRL.

Projects funded in 2014 totalling $497,144 include:

· $19,000 to the Temora Schoolboys RLFC for upgrades to change rooms and provision of match officials building at Bob Aldridge Park

· $68,182 to the Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo RLFC to upgrade the grandstand and amenities at Bellingen Park

· $73,588 for Lismore Old Boys RLFC for drainage, irrigation and field surface upgrade at Crozier Field

· $40,000 for Gymea JRLFC and $33,000 for Baulkham Hills JRLFC for improvements to field lighting

The NSW Footy Facilities Fund will increase regular and on-going participation opportunities in Rugby League and improve the standard of footy grounds and facilities.

NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said the fund also supports promoting greater inclusion in Rugby League and encouraging more environmentally sustainable facilities.

“This year the Cootamundra Junior Rugby League Club was awarded $21,955 to provide female change rooms at Nicholson Park and Walcha and District Rugby League Club was granted $11,500 for a bore water and irrigation system at Walcha Oval,” Mr Greenberg said.

“Funding is available to assist Rugby League clubs at all levels to improve the quality, availability and standard of facilities. This may include spending on items such as new seating, goal posts, canteens, lights, fields, fencing or dressing rooms.”