- New $9.3 million Cook Government local investment in the world game
- Total package includes a $2.4 million grants program to improve facilities and infrastructure for the clubs participating in the NPL women’s competition
- $6.1 million towards an expansion to the recently completed State Football Centre
- Significant investment in grassroots football to ensure lasting FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand legacy
Grassroots football will benefit from a new $9.3 million funding commitment from the Cook Labor Government, to ensure Western Australia’s successful hosting of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup delivers a lasting legacy for the world game in WA.
With football fever at an all-time high among so many young Western Australians following the success of the CommBank Matildas and homegrown hero Sam Kerr, the Cook Government will ensure that success has a lasting impact on the local game.
This boost for local football comes ahead of today’s State Football Centre Festival, which will give 4,000 Western Australians the opportunity to be part of its official opening, and celebrate the achievements of the State’s football community and our national women’s team with Sam Kerr and other Matildas heroes.
Local grassroots women’s teams will benefit through a new $2.4 million Women’s World Cup Legacy Grants program, with each NPL club eligible for up to $300,000 in funding for infrastructure and facility improvements that support women’s participation.
The recently completed State Football Centre in Queens Park, which has been the Matildas’ training base since they arrived in Perth, will also benefit as part of the legacy package.
The $50.8 million facility currently incorporates two full-sized FIFA standard football pitches with lighting, three five-a-side playing pitches, sport science facilities, changing rooms, function room and a main administration building. It is also the administrative home of Football West.
The $6.1 million investment includes two additional pitches and lighting, as part of expansion plans for the modern facility. The centre provides state-of-the-art training and playing facilities that also support grassroots, community and high-performance football programs.
The total package also includes additional support for Football West to provide a further boost for grassroots football in WA, through their work as the governing body.
The legacy package follows the $15 million increase to the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund as part of the 2023-24 Budget.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“Our Matildas are currently the biggest national sporting team in the country, and we cannot wait to celebrate their success and their legacy right here in Western Australia.
“The Women’s World Cup was an incredible tournament that Perth played a part in and we want to make sure that the world game, and women’s football in particular, can continue to benefit from its success.
“Our Government’s investment in the women’s game is all about making sure every young Western Australian has the opportunity to become the next Sam Kerr.
“A key element of that is supporting grassroots clubs and a further investment in the State Football Centre the WA home of football.”
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
“By investing in key infrastructure that supports football in Western Australia, our State Government is creating a pathway for talented players to reach their full potential and compete at the highest level.
“We recognise that more needs to be done to support the game at grassroots level and this is what we are doing.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“Our commitment to the development and promotion of WA sport and its infrastructure is backed up by significant budget allocations by the Cook Government that will provide a solid foundation for the future.
“This substantial financial support will create first-class facilities for both the sporting and wider communities and help boost participation in sport, particularly by women. We are determined to pursue other initiatives to meet ongoing needs and future requirements that will increase the participation of women in sport.
“This funding is an investment in sporting facilities, not just at the community level but also at the State level, with the hope of producing WA sports stars like Sam Kerr who can compete nationally and internationally well into the future.”
As stated by Football Australia CEO James Johnson:
“On behalf of Football Australia, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the WA Government for their pivotal community funding.
“This remarkable support not only underpins the lasting legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in WA but also illuminates the path for countless young talents through the Women’s World Cup Legacy Grants program.
“The future shines brighter for football in our region, with improved facilities, enhanced infrastructure, and the promising expansion of community pitches at the WA State Football Centre.
“Together, we’re building a brighter future for the beautiful game in Western Australia.”
