Sporting Clubs - Female Facilities Program

Sporting clubs and organisations across South Australia can now apply for a share in $4 million to upgrade and build female change rooms.

This is the first round of $10 million allocated to the Female Facilities Program for three years as part of the State Government’s $40 million mega sport State Budget announcement.

The Female Facilities Program is open to not-for-profit sport clubs, associations and community organisations. Clubs can apply for a maximum of $500,000 to build the change rooms. Applications close October 31, 2016.

Background

Latest data from the Office of Recreation and Sport shows about 150,000 girls and women are registered with sporting clubs in South Australia.

There are more than 4500 registered female football and soccer players and more than 1000 registered cricket players in SA. Currently, many sporting clubs and many women’s sports teams in South Australia are forced to use male change rooms, car parks offices or other areas at sports grounds.

For more information visit www.ors.sa.gov.au/funding/apply_for_funding/womens_facilities_program

Quotes attributable to Recreation and Sport Minister Leon Bignell

Women and girls who play sport should have access to exactly the same level of facilities as boys and men. Having female change rooms at sporting clubs sends an important message to women and girls they are welcome and wanted.

I have spoken to many young female players who tell me first-hand how hard it is to change into their uniforms at their current clubs with many having to change in their car before a game.

The State Government supports women’s sports at all levels – from grassroots through to elite and this is just another way we can encourage girls and women to stay in the sports they love. Investment through this program will see a significant increase in participation in traditionally male-dominated sports – as well as an improvement in safety and culture.

This measure will also create local construction jobs as sporting clubs across the State access the grant program.