Waterford women kick goals with major funds for sports facilities

Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman has announced a major $500,000 upgrade at the Meakin Park sporting fields that will benefit women and girls from across Queensland.

The announcement is part of $15.2 million of funded projects under the Palaszczuk Government’s new Female Facilities Program.

Ms Fentiman said that with the Matildas being one of the nation’s most popular national sporting teams it was a great time to announce the $500,000 investment into the Waterford football community.

“This is great for all our women and girl footballers with Football Queensland’s Clem Jones Field at Meakin Park’s facilities about to get a major boost,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Football Queensland will use the funding to upgrade nine dressing rooms and referees room to include 29 brand new unisex shower cubicles and 10 unisex toilets.

“These upgraded dressing rooms will help boost the women’s game in our community, which continues growing each year, especially with Football Queensland’s U14s and U15s women’s teams already training here.”

“It’s fantastic to see in Queensland we are home to more than 15,500 female football players and that is expected to rise to 22,000 by 2023.”

Football Queensland CEO Richard Griffith said that today’s announcement was the start of making Meakin Park the home of women’s football for Queensland.

“It comes at an ideal time in our strategic planning, including the upcoming release of our Statewide Facilities Strategic Plan,” he said.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said an overwhelming number of applications were received for the Female Facilities Program, which provides grants of up to $500,000 to help sporting clubs provide inclusive facilities for players and patrons.

“The sheer volume of applications shows that this funding is exactly what many clubs need to help them address inequality in sport and boost female participation numbers,” Mr de Brenni said.

“The total value of the 45 funded projects is more than $15.2 million and covers a huge array of activities – from AFL, rugby league and cricket to sailing and BMX.

“This is all about addressing inequality in sport across Queensland.”

For more information about the program and other opportunities available under Get in the Game visit: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/getinthegame/

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:       Inga Williams