Wallsend FC have been granted more than $250,000 for their Wallsend Park lighting upgrade project.
The Red Devils acquired the funding through a successful application under round two of the NSW Office of Sport’s 2021-22 Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund.
The club’s successful application is the latest in a long line over the last 14 months where Northern NSW Football have played a key role through its tangible support for clubs.
NNSWF Community Football Manager Ross Hicks was essential to the process, assisting NNSWF’s grant consultant to write the application while liaising with City of Newcastle Council and contractors regarding approvals, plans and quotes.
Hicks congratulated Wallsend FC and said places to play was one of NNSWF’s strategic priorities.
“NNSWF’s investment and focus on increasing the number of football facilities which are fit for purpose, welcoming and support the growth of the game is paying dividends,” Hicks said.
“Our strategy to improve facilities included the implementation of an audit of all facilities and development of the State Infrastructure Strategy and complimentary local facilities strategies.
“Advocacy with every level of government, led by Football Australia, has significantly increased the acute need for investment in football facilities to support the growth of football which remains Australia’s largest club-based sport.
“The establishment of the NNSWF Facilities Fund has provided clubs with access to invaluable seeding funding which has unlocked other funding opportunities.”
NNSWF have assisted 24 community and Premier clubs throughout its seven member zones to successfully apply for funding through state government sources, unlocking more than $12 million since the start of 2021.
NNSWF have directly submitted applications on behalf of clubs which has unlocked $2.75 million. This funding is in addition to the money provided through the NNSWF Facilities Fund, an investment of more than $1.5 million.
The total project investment will be far more than $12 million when club and council contributions are also considered.
Wallsend FC secretary Tracy-Lee Tredinnick said the club were excited to receive the funding for its lighting upgrade project.
“This will make a massive difference to participation with more games on Friday nights and more space for training that is badly needed,” Tredinnick said.
“We can now plan for growth and minimise the workload of volunteers in no longer having to coordinate two venues for our Friday night teams.
“We would like to say a big thank you to NNSWF for their assistance in writing the grant and all the prior planning.”
Clubs can contact NNSWF Community Football Manager Ross Hicks for more information or assistance with grant applications (rhicks@northernnswfootball.com.au)
