Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA) have received $127,960 as part of the NSW Football Legacy Fund – Round 1.
The funding goes towards a project that will include installation of new drainage and irrigation, plus water tanks for Field 1 at Sutherland Shire’s home of football.
This development is part of a wider facilities upgrade valued at over one million, allowing the first full hybrid pitches to be created at the community level.
Playing surfaces will directly benefit from this grant, promoting greater participation all year round, with the higher quality of surface to hold up better during different weather conditions.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce was delighted at this investment.
“Everyone will benefit!” he said in a statement.
“We have one of the largest participation bases in the southern hemisphere and you need to live the Shire to actually be registered here. All those kids and everyone in the Shire will benefit.”
SSFA President Matt Brady outlined that relationships with council are crucial to making positive steps forward for the game.
“You can’t not have council on your side. You need to work collaborative with council, local and state government. We have a very strong relationship with our council and councillors,” he added via press release.
“The only way we can get this sort of funding, and we have been trying for a long time is through the communication, assistance and guidance that council and state government provide to us.”
The project will pave the way for greater participation, better facilities and more involvement from the community as a whole.
Leading up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, additions such as improved drainage will cater for the influx of girls and females needing a reliable and safe place to play.
The infrastructure developments at Harrie Dening will give SSFA the ability and confidence to cater for the large female numbers today and even more females in the future.
