The South Australian Government is accepting applications for the first round of its $18 million Power of Her funds program, dedicated to improving facilities, equipment and programs for women’s sport.
First announced in October last year, the fund follows the Power of Her Leadership Symposium, which brought together leaders from six South Australian women’s sport teams to discuss the future needs of female sport.
Surging demand for female participation in football, after the success of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, has highlighted the need for a greater provision of high-quality resources in South Australia.
As a result, the State Government has quarantined $10 million of the proposed $18 million for women’s football developments only.
The fund is divided into two streams: programs and equipment, and infrastructure. For the remainder of the 2023-2024 financial year, $2 million will be available ($1.8 million to infrastructure and $200,000 to programs and equipment).
Funding uses could include the construction of female-friendly changerooms, an increase in player and coaching programs, and more equal provisions of football equipment.
According to Football SA (FSA), girls’ and women’s participation in football will grow 33% in the next three years, and CEO Michael Carter is thankful for the State Government’s contribution to harnessing the growth of women’s football in South Australia.
“Initiatives that support the improvement of spaces to play for our rapidly growing football community are to be applauded,” he said via government release.
“The funding announcement to support women and girls’ infrastructure will have a profound impact on future participants in sport.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinsauskas adds that the funding scheme goes beyond helping football thrive, and will strive for greater physical activity participation amongst females.
“By making these investments in infrastructure, programs and projects that facilitate greater participation of girls and women, we can ensure the World Cup leaves a legacy for generations to come,” the Premier stated.
“This will deliver a social, health and community dividend and result in a more equal society.”
Applicants will require a funding partner to match at least 50% of the funds, which will effectively unlock a further $10 million worth of investment.
However, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Katrine Hildyard, says the government will support applicants in their mission to receive the game-changing funds.
“We’ll be working alongside State Sporting Organisations, associations, Councils, local clubs and schools to ensure female friendly initiatives that meet the driving needs of South Australian women and girls are funded and provide greater opportunity for all South Australian girls and women to take up or deepen their participation in their chosen sport,” the Minister said in a statement.
“The upgrade and development of sporting facilities, programs, and equipment is exceedingly important to ensure that girls and women of all abilities can participate and I am so proud that this grant program will help deliver them.”
Following the success of the NSW Football Legacy Fund, the Power of Her initiative will hopefully deliver the same positive impact for South Australian football.
Applications for the first round close on April 3rd, with applicants to be notified of the result in June this year.
To apply, you can do so here.
