Blue Mountains News

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has kicked off the year in winning style by awarding more than $3.1 million for 100 projects that will benefit football at all levels.

Stuart Ayres said Nepean Football Association and Emu Plains Football Club (EPFC) will receive funding that will go towards participation initiatives, inspiring the next generation of footballers, particularly females across our local community. 

Emu Plains Football Club will receive $10,000 towards their Females in Football Initiative and Nepean Football Association will receive $8,100 towards a program aimed at increasing female coach participation.

Briege McAuley of EPFC said our club will definitely benefit from this grant as we try to get more junior females involved and it will help us run some programs and purchase new equipment for them to train with.

Stuart Ayres said from girls and boys lacing up their boots for the first time to participants in our elite development programs, local players and their sports clubs will benefit from projects funded through the NSW Football Legacy Program.

“Sport is such an important part of the Penrith community. This funding is a great example of how the Liberal Government is committed to giving more opportunities to local women and girls to enjoy football.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said these projects and programs will ensure the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 leaves a lasting legacy for football across the State.

“Having the World Cup on home soil is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will inspire young girls and boys to lace up the boots an emulate their football heroes,” Mr Henskens said.

“With six months to go before the tournament kicks off, there is already an enormous buzz around football and this program will help local clubs capitalise on excitement by running programs that will boost participation in the sport.

“It will also deliver funding to improve infrastructure, creating more modern and accessible facilities for communities across NSW.”

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will feature 32 teams competing in 64 matches across Australia and New Zealand during July and August with seven games at Allianz Stadium and four at Accor Stadium, including a Semi Final and the Final.

For further information on fixtures and ticketing, visit the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023^TM website.