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Australian governments of all levels should apply equity considerations when funding sport and recreation needs, in line with 2022 data which indicates that football…
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this is happening in Albury at moment.
April 4, 2023 By Mark Stavroulakis
Albury United Soccer Club’s plans to upgrade Jelbart Park have been given a push over the line thanks to a $150,000 NSW Football Legacy Fund grant.
The NSW Football Legacy Fund (NFLF) aims to improve football facilities, support infrastructure, and increase participation opportunities, while improving female player pathways.
Legacy grant aims to improve the current standards at Jelbart Park and give the Albury United Soccer Club, as well as the broader Albury region, a home with durability to the turbulent weather and high football demand.
The work set to be completed includes a renovation of existing amenities, new field lighting and a restoration of the playing surface including returfing, drainage, and irrigation. In addition, there will be a scoreboard installed.
Albury United Soccer Club President Justin Stevens discussed the vital need for the approved works.
“Ground 3 is pretty much rendered useless for our training at night-time, there are no lights at all,” he said
“When we lose one field, it starts to impact other clubs when we are such a huge club with big numbers”.
The works, due to commence in the back half of 2023, are directly in line with the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy key pillars of ‘Improving Existing Venue Capacity’ and ‘Planning for Growth and Demand’.
Drainage, irrigation, and lighting play a crucial role in ensuring fields can remain open during the winter season and accommodate extended periods of use.
Albury City Mayor Kylie King was ecstatic to see the funding come through.
“To know that the Legacy Fund will come into our grassroots community, from a mayor’s perspective, I’m so proud and thrilled,” King said. “World Cup fever, we are certainly amongst it!”
Albury United SC boast an impressive 26% of all participants being female and continue to accommodate for roughly 250 participants per season.
NSW Football Legacy Fund Grants and Facilities Officer James Spanoudakis acknowledged the contributions of the local club.
“Albury United Soccer Club have put a monumental effort into attaining this grant to develop their facilities at Jelbart Park,” he said.
“It will allow their female participants to play in an environment that is safe and inclusive. The work being completed will no doubt help accommodate for the expected increase in participation thanks to the FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil.”
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
sorry, that first response to Nathan was actually meant for
Munro Mike
Roar Rookie
August 30th 2023 @ 4:26pm.
I need to slow down sometimes and check what I am doing.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
yes, of the english and aussie runners, which article focuses on, only english won medals. Correct. Do i have class, probably not. Thanks for reading, and i will keep writing.
Sticking it to the mother country: England can beat Australia at rugby and football ... but what about every other sport?
I have worked in factories, building sites, parliament and universities, and that figure is about right imo. I think a lot are competent, but few are prepared to go outside their comfort zone to work hard and stay fair to all.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
i once worked for first federal politician to go to jail, and another state MP who was forced out of parliament. Sadly, disappointment can be anywhere, just as there can be very good people.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
Macca, hopefully council can get lights for courts. Has club made submissions for grants? How does your local football league get the money to pay such a high amount to players? i take it grog, sponsors and tickets sales.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
will be interesting to see how womens teams sports play out in terms of crowds and tv over 2023-24.
AFL News: Bombers lock up Parish, Greene apologises to Weitering for cheeky jab
I agree Nathan with last paragraph.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
I agree, such Games usually a chance to midernise facilities. Hockey is also a big sport that needs attention and good facilities.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
it was published on Roar, i read it.
The world's noticing Australia's football talent - maybe some of our locals should too
you should re-read it too know all, i clearly stated problem of GB multi-country issue at start. And you really do not know what you are talking about when suggesting that English runners are not better than Australia. I loved critical analysis of me efforts, but you don’t really know what u r talking about, just a bigmouth.
Sticking it to the mother country: England can beat Australia at rugby and football ... but what about every other sport?
Stu, i am shattered you will not read another piece by myself. Do you really want me to roll of the names of the English runners who win medals to prove my point? FMD, Hodginson was born in England and sounds English, so what planet do you live on?
Sticking it to the mother country: England can beat Australia at rugby and football ... but what about every other sport?
Nathan Absalom
August 30th 2023 @ 1:05pm
Yes, covid was different. But there is no doubt that the state govt does much more for elite sports and events than grassroots sport. I don’t like the current balance, and that is what article is about.
In fact, my next piece argues for a much lower level of funding for elite sport. Perhaps then, more sports will live within their means and free up more resources for where they are needed.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
Not sure whether it is leadership, but pretty sure they need about ten good players and then they may be a top four team.
Bruise-free Bombers need to address leadership vacuum before they can get any better
Here in Albury, Commercial Club ([probably biggest club with most pokies) a big contributor to local sport.
Nathan, I am thinking of doing a follow up piece on whether high funding for elite sport is warranted.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
yes, hosting GP fits neatly into desire by state governments to get big events.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
yes, I had in there but took it out due to 1500 word target. Still think the AFL forced governments to fund Hobart stadium, or else no team so my point is reasonable.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
i agree, that why I suggest that the balance between elite and grassroots funding should be tweaked so to get another $100-200 million per year.
Modern stadiums are also important, although I do not see why the Hobart stadium needs a roof.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither
No, I will not be requesting that. Thanks for reading.
Sticking it to the mother country: England can beat Australia at rugby and football ... but what about every other sport?
All good.
Sticking it to the mother country: England can beat Australia at rugby and football ... but what about every other sport?
yes, did not think you would bag a football fan. But I think MM knows his stuff and uses evidence to support his argument which i always like. BTW, i have found a lot of relevant data for my piece which i hope football fans read.
Queensland to celebrate Matildas' legacy with funding boost - but most of it is already going to Rugby and AFL
Spurs going well so far.
PL Wrap: Another win for Ange as Spurs' unbeaten start continues, Man Utd spare blushes with comeback win
i might have been a bit harsh.
Queensland to celebrate Matildas' legacy with funding boost - but most of it is already going to Rugby and AFL
will be a great finals series, anyone of 5 or 6 can win. Can pies beat dees, i think they can.
Footy Fix: Jack Ginnivan just sealed a finals spot - and he might be the Pies' September secret weapon
Thanks sheek. I am also doing one on elite sports funding.
Governments are desperate to fund elite sport - and it's leaving the grassroots to wither