Nsw Football Infrastructure Strategy Better Facilities, Connected Communities Forewardforeward

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY BETTER FACILITIES, CONNECTED COMMUNITIES FOREWARDFOREWARD

It is our pleasure to introduce you to the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – a document that sets the future directionIt is our forpleasure football to facility introduce planning, you toprovision the NSW and Football development Infrastructure across NSW Strategy for the – a decadedocument 2020-2030. that sets the future direction for football facility planning, provision and development across NSW for the decade 2020-2030. This Strategy has been collectively developed by Football NSW and Northern NSW Football through our FacilitiesThis Strategy and Advocacy has been Unit. collectively While our developed organisations by Footballindividually NSW plan and for Northernand deliver NSW football Football across through the state our of Facilities and NSW,Advocacy this jointly Unit. funded While and our developedorganisations project individually is one of the plan largest for and planning deliver exercises football undertaken across the bystate a NSW of NSW, this jointly peakfunded sporting and bodydeveloped in recent project times. is one of the largest planning exercises undertaken by a NSW peak sporting body in recent times. With almost 300,000 individual registered players, close to 1,000 sites and 2,250 playing fields used for football everyWith week, almost Football 300,000 is the individual largest participation registered players, sport in closeNSW, towith 1,000 current sites rapid and growth 2,250 certainplaying to fields continue. used for football every week, Football is the largest participation sport in NSW, with current rapid growth certain to continue. We need to plan for the future. We need to identify the needs of our sport for those that currently play and for thoseWe need that want to plan to but for cannot.the future. We’ve We needidentified to identify there could the needs be as manyof our as sport 30,000 for thoseadditional that playerscurrently across play and for those that NSWwant that to butcould cannot. have played We’ve in identified 2019 if they there had couldaccess be to as a footballmany as facility. 30,000 additional players across NSW that could have played in 2019 if they had access to a football facility. Australia and New Zealand are set to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. This is a once in a lifetime eventAustralia that will and unlock New Zealandthe untapped are set football to co-host potential the FIFAof the Women’s Asia-Pacific World region Cup and in 2023.increase This participation is a once in growth a lifetime event that atwill the unlock grassroots the untappedlevel here footballin Australia. potential An influx of theof participants Asia-Pacific correlates region and to anincrease increase participation in demand forgrowth football at the grassroots facilities.level here Therefore in Australia. now is An the influx time toof investparticipants in improved correlates football to facilitiesan increase for girlsin demand and women for football to accompany facilities. the Therefore now growingis the timedemand to invest we are in experiencing improved football and will continuefacilities tofor experience girls and womenfor many to years accompany because ofthe this growing worldwide demand we are event.experiencing and will continue to experience for many years because of this worldwide event. Football’sFootball’s contribution contribution towards towards the health,the health, social social and economicand economic benefit benefit of the NSW of the community NSW community is well is well documented. It documented.contributes $515It contributes million annually$515 million to the annually local economyto the local and economy $4.5 million and $4.5 annually million inannually community in community health benefits. This is healtha significant benefits. contribution This is a significant to sport contribution and to our togreat sport State. and to our great State. Finally,Finally, to to our our partners, partners, our ourclubs, clubs, the football the football community community and of courseand of ourcourse facility our providers facility providersand sponsors and in sponsors in local localgovernment. government. We We wish wish to thankto thank you you all allfor for supporting supporting Football Football in in NSW NSW and and we we look look forwardforward toto continuing continuing our work with ouryou work into with the you future into and the throughfuture and the through implementation the implementation of the Strategy. of the Strategy. Sincerely,

StuartStuart Hodge Hodge DavidDavid Eland CEO,CEO, Football Football NSW NSW CEO,CEO, Northern NSWNSW FootballFootball

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 2

2 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT The NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy provides the NSW football community and its stakeholders with 1 Executive Summary...... 04 a detailed assessment and analysis of the state’s football facility landscape across metropolitan, regional and 2 Introduction and Context...... 07 northern NSW. 3 Football Infrastructure Framework...... 17 The Strategy identifies the key focus areas for the future planning and development of almost 1,000 community football facilities and over 272,970 active club participants across NSW. The Strategy will provide a strategic 4 Football Context...... 29 framework to support football’s vision of connecting communities through well located, welcoming, accessible 5 Participation Overview...... 37 and sustainable football facilities. 6 Facilities Audit Overview...... 51 Specific facility and infrastructure priorities are provided in 26 Football Area Summaries, comprising: 7 Consultation Findings...... 62 • 16 Metro Football NSW Associations 8 Demand Assessment...... 67 • 3 Regional Football NSW Branches, and 9 Football Facility Hierarchy...... 78 • 7 Northern NSW Football Zones. 10 Strategy Implementation...... 84 11 Appendices...... 93 Priorities have been recommended following a detailed need and demand assessment. Local area priorities are evidenced based and will enable the football community and government partners to confidently and jointly invest in future football related projects. The Strategy will evolve over time and is versatile enough to respond and adapt to changes in the local, state and federal environments. Collaboration between Football NSW (FNSW), Northern NSW Football (NNSWF), their respective Associations and Zones, and all levels of government, is key to this Strategy and its collective funding. The Strategy delivers on a range of recommendations established in the 2014 Football NSW Facilities Strategic Plan and has been led and supported by the joint FNSW and NNSWF Facilities and Advocacy Unit.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Ageing nature of existing infrastructure • Quality of playing fields and underlying drainage and irrigation issues With 272,970 registered seasonal club competition • Extensive use of existing playing fields players, football in NSW is by far and away the biggest • Need for a greater number of more robust playing field surfaces state body of all sports in Australia. • Pitch lighting struggling to meet minimum standards • Ability of change room amenities to provide inclusive environments • Inadequate number of playing fields to cater for training and competition needs The NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy is focused on identifying and understanding the • Attracting shared investment into infrastructure projects that are rising in cost infrastructure required to support and sustain community football over the coming decade. • Providing the right, balanced mix of facilities in new open space areas Using a sound evidence base of on and off-field facility audits, existing participant and likely market demand data, this Strategy strives to identify the current infrastructure gaps and • Relatively limited number of well-sized, quality community and social future requirements needed to better support football across NSW. rooms. The Strategy seeks to highlight the key population areas that have significant football In-line with the significant sport and government sector consultation, participation now and project the areas of greatest need by 2030 and beyond. It also and review of the NSW Government and football stakeholder provides decision making tools in order to identify the areas where funding and investment directions, a strategic framework with accompanying principles and is needed most. infrastructure pillars has been developed. It also delivers on Football Many key stakeholders have been involved in the preparation of the NSW Football NSW’s strategic objective of developing more and better facilities Infrastructure Strategy, including more than 68 Local Government Authorities (LGAs) as and Northern NSW Football’s strategic priority of facilities to owners and managers of land and facilities used by football. support participation. All 38 Football NSW and Northern NSW Football affiliated Associations and Zones were The NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy identifies the following engaged via surveys and face-to-face workshops in strategic locations across NSW. As key pillars and associated objectives for guiding support and the key deliverers of community football activities and users of facilities, consultation with Associations and Zones is imperative to ensure a well represented view is presented. investment into community facilities: 993 community football venues were identified in NSW, with 938 visited and audited • Improve existing venue capacity: Maximise the carrying in 2018 and 2019 as part of NSW’s largest ever football facilities assessment. In order to capacity and activation of existing football grounds and venues. understand what is needed in the future, the current supply and provision of what we have • Inclusive football facilities: Support diversity of game formats and use now was essential. The audit highlighted significant opportunities for improving and increasing the capacity of infrastructure as a key tool for sustainable and financially and participants through inclusive facilities. responsibly provision, while also providing for the future. • Homes of football: Improve access to football programs, This extensive facility audit has formed the basis of the strategic framework, key focus pathways and development services. areas and football area summaries. The audit itself, and the creation of a state-wide facility • Planning for growth and demand: Plan to maximise participation database and GIS mapping platform were also key outcomes within the Football NSW Facilities Strategic Plan created in 2014. through new and innovative venue opportunities. Research undertaken into existing facility provision, condition and capacity revealed a • Partnerships and investment: Develop and maintain relationships number of critical challenges for stakeholders to collectively address, including: with all levels of government and industry partners.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In delivering on the above pillars and key focus areas that football is on track to increase its total participation by a CRITICAL ACTIONS are presented later in the Strategy, Football NSW and further 50% over the next 20 years. Northern NSW Football, along with strategic partners will To manage football participation growth, addressing also align with the principles of accessibility, innovation, Provide leadership to stakeholders on facility existing on-field issues of sports lighting provision to inclusivity and sustainability through implementation. planning and renewal through provision of Australian Standards, turf quality, presence of functional 1 current Football NSW and NNSW Football In addition to the strategic framework and pillar structure irrigation and drainage is required. When combined participation data and community football on- provided, detailed assessment, strategic priorities and with football’s off-field issues of amenity support, change field and off-field venue condition information. recommendations have been provided in 26 Football Area room upgrades to gender neutral standards and storage Summaries covering the 16 metropolitan Sydney Football availability, this will continue to impact on football’s Associations, 7 Northern NSW Football Zones and 3 potential to deliver on the NSW Government Office of Support players, officials and referees of all genders by prioritising and supporting the Regional NSW Football Branches. Sport Mission of Building Active Communities. 2 upgrade and development of facilities at sites Football Area Summaries provide customised and unique In-line with strategies and recommendations that address with identified female participation. insights that consider current and future populations, football’s growing pains, several broad critical actions municipal areas, facility condition and growth trends in have been identified for the NSW Facilities and Advocacy football, which determine the future planning priorities Unit to address in partnership with the broader football Partner with identified stakeholders including, for each identified area under the state-wide strategic community and government sector stakeholders. but not limited to, Federal, State and Local framework. 3 government, Football Associations and clubs to contribute expertise and leverage funding This NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy primarily focuses to support football infrastructure initiatives. on participation at a community football level and is best described as a Strategy that supports and maximises activation, ensuring venue capacities are fully utilised and Collaborate with developers, growth area aligns with best practice football guidelines and standards. Councils, State Government, commercial partners and other sports on future football 4 The challenges for football that have been highlighted are facility provision to guide precinct structure related to existing players numbers and unprecedented planning in new, growing and established participation growth experienced now and into the future. communities. This Strategy recognises that football demand is already exceeding facility supply. If action is not taken now to plan infrastructure over the coming decade, then Deliver a consistent and united football the gap will widen and opportunities to play will be lost. 5 message through club, association and state body communications. The age group seeing the highest rate of participation growth is the 5 to 9 year old cohort where young children are introduced to the game, which has seen a 20% increase Identify key strategic facilities and locations where football can deliver more streamlined since 2014. 6 localised services to the regional NSW football Should this trend be ongoing, with todays children community. continuing to play football as adolescents and adults,

6 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT INTRODUCTION

Football as the most played outdoor team sport in NSW plays is far greater by creating links for the various internal facilities is an example of outdated infrastructure. (and Australia), identified a dedicated resource was departments to prosper from all levels of stakeholder and • Improve capacity: Achieving more participation from required to ensure the planned and effective growth of the government relations. existing football infrastructure. Existing on-field and off- beautiful game occurs. The NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy 2020-2030, field football infrastructure has been inspected, football In response, the NSW Facilities and Advocacy Unit was commissioned by the Unit and provides a framework trends understood in different areas and targeted (previously known as Facilities and Government Relations enabling football and its strategic partners to better facility investment recommended. Introduction of Unit) was created as a partnership between Football NSW understand and prioritise its facility needs both now and sports lighting at unlit sites and improvement of ground and Northern NSW Football which was established in in the future. conditions (above and below surfaces) will improve site 2016. capacity. Localised Football Area Summaries are a product of the Strategy, providing associations and clubs with clarity • Participant growth: 11% participant growth in club NSW FACILITIES AND ADVOCACY UNIT and direction in their facility planning and development football has occurred across NSW over the past 5 years The centralised unit provides tangible assistance and initiatives. It also provides government with clear evidence (this equates to in excess of 25,000 additional players). advice to clubs and local government authorities (LGA’s) and direction for prioritising football infrastructure The Strategy identifies current and future participation throughout NSW who are committed to providing their projects. hot spots, demographics, land availability and demand rates. members and constituents with access to football facilities A key objective of each Football Area Summary is to and local infrastructure which are safe, welcoming, address the challenges that the sport is currently facing, accessible, inclusive and conducive to the provision of an and to lead the enhancement, sustainability and growth of enjoyable football experience for all. the sport in NSW. Some of the challenges for football this The NSW Facilities and Advocacy Unit has the Strategy aims to address include: responsibility for providing leadership, information and • Outdated infrastructure: While still very much valued, advice to stakeholders of both Football NSW and Northern many football facilities are not contemporary in nature NSW Football, reporting through to the CEOs of both and do not meet best practice present day sport organisations. guidelines or community expectations. All gender Even though the unit is focussed on facilities development, changeroom facilities with private lockable cubicle you will clearly see later in this document the role the unit showers compared to open communal showering

350 infrastructure upgrades valued at $354m have been identified to date to service football’s current participation, let alone what will be needed in the future to service the projected demand.

8 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY INTRODUCTION

PROJECT DELIVERABLES • A detailed football facilities audit, data collection of user need, facility challenges, barriers to and GIS mapping process was undertaken over participation development aspirations and resource The NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy 2020-2030 2018/2019 to determine the current provision, capacity. will provide a 10-year road map that addresses the condition, use and location of 993 community • Participation analysis and demand assessment planning, provision and enhancement of community football venues across NSW.* football facilities, and identifies the areas of greatest through examination of 2014 and 2019 registered need for investment. • Consultation with the football community winter season NSW football club players. represented by associations, facility providers and • Production of 26 Football Area Summaries that Project deliverables that inform the key local government organisations via online surveys considered all football areas across NSW. recommendations and actions in this Strategy include: and workshops. This provided an understanding

*Note: Of the 993 identified venue locations, 938 have been identified as being used for community football training and competition in NSW. This does not include sites used for NPL competition only, training only sites or sites identified for potential future use. Audit findings and analysis are also influenced by 18 venues not having an audit started and 20 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY incomplete audits undertaken at the time of writing.9 RESEARCH & CONSULTATION

More than 180 government and football community • Project information bulletins and dedicated webpage. Football). Every effort has been made to ensure data is as detailed as possible, accessing 975 of the total identified stakeholders were engaged in the development of • Individual meetings with FNSW and NNSW Football 993 community football venues (located in NSW) that the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy. In addition representatives. to seeking the views of stakeholders, significant host community training and/or competition activities. 18 venues remained un-audited at the time of writing. data collection, analysis and reporting systems • Stakeholder workshops for LGAs and Football Associations and Zones at Valentine Sports Park and in were also developed and used to identify priorities. Initial facility audit data was collected in 2018 and 2019, Lake Macquarie, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Moruya and with data quality testing and refreshing conducted as part The tools developed are available for Football Cessnock (78 attendees). NSW’s and Northern NSW Football’s use and will be of the data analysis phase of strategy preparation. • Online survey of NSW Local Government Authorities (68 extremely valuable in monitoring and evaluating In total, 938 (of the identified 993 venues) have responses). the progress of strategy implementation. complete community football venue audits that • Football Association and Zone survey (38 responses have been analysed as part of this Strategy (the 18 INDUSTRY CONSULTATION representing a one hundred percent completion rate). not started and 20 incomplete audits have not been analysed, along with 6 training only sites and 11 Direct consultation was undertaken with the football potential future venues). community and government stakeholders in the DATA SOURCES development of the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy. Football participation numbers presented and analysed All population and demographic data (and associated The aim of the consultation process was to create throughout this document were provided by Football NSW analysis) was sourced from NSW Government population awareness of the project and accurately capture and test and Northern NSW Football and are based on registered projections, 2018 edition; Australian Bureau of Statistics. the facility issues, challenges and aspirations for football. club participants. Social players, futsal, summer football and school participants have not been counted, as these Key stakeholders engaged in the development of the players are typically registered with an affiliated club and Strategy included Football Federation Australia, all 38 detailed planning for these activities has not formed part Football Associations and Zones across NSW, Office of of this Strategy. Sport NSW and Local Government Authorities (LGAs). SportsEye, a product of ActiveXhange, was used to undertake an extensive participation analysis and future demand assessment for club based football in NSW. The 80% of all local government data analysis explores 2014 and 2019 registered football football field owners in participant data to better understand current participation trends and future participation outcomes. SportsEye assists NSW completed a survey or informed decision making and provides in-depth analysis participated in a workshop of customers, activity programs and facility infrastructure and its relative capacity. Football facility provision and condition information was The following consultation methods were used to collect collected by Football NSW and Northern NSW Football information and provide opportunity for stakeholders to staff, contractors and association and zone representatives have input into the development of the Strategy: using a customised Football Facility Audit Tool (SFA-

10 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY VALUE OF COMMUNITY SPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY SPORT INFRASTRUCTURE In 2018, Sport Australia (formerly the Australian Sports Commission) commissioned a report to quantify the value of community sport infrastructure. Sport is synonymous with the Australian culture and psyche. As a nation we intuitively understand its benefits, with this report articulating fiscal values. Summary of key impacts of sporting infrastructure includes:

ECONOMIC IMPACTS The economic value of community sport infrastructure has been estimated at $6.3 billion. Employment of approximately 57,000 people directly (equating to 33,900 Full time positions) related directly to community sport infrastructure. Volunteers were estimated to contribute $1.3 billion annually to the economy.

HEALTH IMPACTS The health value of community sport infrastructure is estimated to be $4.9 billion. Health benefits across the community include: • A lower risk of being affected by chronic diseases such cancers, dementia, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. • Improved mental health • Health system benefits as a result of a lower incidence of disease, or better managed mental health issues, including lower wait times, less congestion and health savings costs.

SOCIAL IMPACTS The social value of community sport infrastructure is estimated to COMMUNITY SPORT be $5.1 billion. The social benefits are derived by users of facilities through both the sport activity and social connection networks created. Academic benefits, including young people staying in INFRASTRUCTURE IS school for longer and positive educational aspirations (desire to attend university) and ultimately higher wage earnings are all VALUED AT $16.2 BILLION measured social impact benefits. Heightened community pride and reduced crime and anti social behaviour are also identified. TO AUSTRALIA.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 11 VALUE OF FOOTBALL

Football in NSW provides a significant positive impact on the NSW community. It contributes Football contributes $515,334, 869 p.a. in Economic Benefits significantly to the economy, to developing social and $4,557,899 p.a. in Community Health Benefit capital and impacts on people’s physical and mental health and well-being. The total community impact Sport Business Partners 2018 of football to NSW is expected to reach $1 billion by 2025. Economic impact • Community connectedness: People identify With almost 300,000 registered football participants in themselves as being part of their community through Football in NSW via Football NSW, Northern NSW Football, NSW and participation growth of 11% since 2015, there their connections with a football club. is no doubt that there is significant interest in football. the Associations, Zones, clubs, participants, spectators Accompanying this growth is an increase to the positive and aligned businesses contributed an estimated $515 Health impact benefits that football provides to the whole community. million to the NSW economy in 2018. This contribution Regular participation in physical activity provides significant was collectively spread across the State, with some local As the number one club-based sport for participation in physical and mental health benefits to individuals. The communities benefiting by almost $30 million in annual Australia, football draws on half a million players, coaches, lifetime contribution of football to the health of NSW grew local impact. officials, administrators and volunteers to demonstrate its 42% between 2015 and 2018. The lifetime contribution of value across the NSW community. NSW also contributes Social impact football in 2018 was estimated at $89 million. more than 50% of football participants in Australia, and The following key statements reflect football’s contribution The physical health benefits analysed in this study are as such, also provides a significant economic, health and to the social fabric of NSW communities: derived from reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases social contribution to the entire country. (breast cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, bowel • Social network diversity: Football clubs bring together cancer and stroke) as identified by the Australian Institute The Community Impact of Football in NSW Report was people of different ages, genders and backgrounds. of Health and Welfare. originally commissioned in 2015. Between 2015 and 2018, the total annual community impact of football in • Multicultural engagement: Football transcends race, The mental health benefits are derived from reducing the NSW grew by 23% from $421 million to $520 million. religion and gender to create community connections. prevalence of anxiety and depression. This increase validates football’s ability to advocate to all • Social skills and behaviour: Football clubs develop well The annual community contribution which football levels of Government, and other key stakeholders, about rounded individuals who make a positive contribution to provides through reducing the prevalence of these the valuable contribution football makes to communities in society. diseases is valued at $4.5 million. NSW and positions the administration to continue to grow investment in our game. The physical and mental health benefits delivered by the sport to the NSW community are simply astonishing. This study documents the health advantages which participation and engagement in football delivers. It also identifies the positive social benefits which come from the football community.

12 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY STATE GOVERNMENT ALIGNMENT

The NSW Football infrastructure Strategy builds largest team sport in NSW, football’s highest growth demographic is in the under 14 category forming the ideal on NSW Government strategic priorities for sport “Sport and Active and recreation. Future investment by the NSW base for lifetime active participation. Recreation creating Government in sport and recreation projects and Places and Spaces - Everyone in NSW can access places initiatives will be guided by a number of strategic healthier people, and spaces for sport and active recreation. This area of focus priorities and initiatives, many of which are connecting identifies the importance of fit-for-purpose infrastructure identified below. communities and which aligns with the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy accessibility and all gender infrastructure priorities. OFFICE OF SPORT STRATEGIC PLAN making a stronger 2020-2024 NSW.” Sector Sustainability - Continue to grow sport and active recreation across NSW. A key area of focus in both The NSW Office of Sport’s vision; NSW Office of Sport strategies is the use of evidence based data to better “Sport and Active Recreation creating healthier vision understand challenges and opportunities. people, connecting communities and making a Partnerships and Investment - Maximise the value stronger NSW.” for everyone in NSW. Building relationships, forming The Office further recognises that sport and active life is more likely to maintain active and healthy behaviors partnerships and applying an evidence base are keys recreation is important, contributing significantly to the throughout life. Participation in sport and active recreation to sustainable football projects with the goal to achieve health, economy and social wellbeing in the following can improve life expectancy and can reduce the rate of mutually beneficial outcomes. ways: non- communicable diseases. The Office of Sport provides guidance on the use and Social Outcomes: Sport and active recreation are an Economic Outcomes: Sport and active recreation creates treatment of data informing planning and analysis important part of the fabric of our communities. It reaches jobs and opportunities for investment. Voluntary work functions; across age, cultural background and demographic groups. enables many sport and active recreation events and “Understanding and responding to the changing needs Sport and active recreation strengthens social networks activities and makes a large contribution to the economy. of customers and the sector requires a strong evidence and builds a sense of belonging for participants. The Strategic Plan has 4 key focus areas being: base. The translation of data into insight reports has Health Outcomes: People who participate in sport and been identified as an avenue to assist in strengthening active recreation enjoy better physical and mental health. Participation - Everyone in NSW participating in sport and shaping future decision making across the sector”. A child participating in sport and active recreation early in and active recreation throughout their whole life. As the Through this Strategy, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football have invested in the largest sport facility, data analysis and demand assessment project undertaken by any state sporting organisation in Australia. With 938 venues audited and more than 272,970 participant data records analysed, a sound evidence base is now in place to not only build decisions around, but it creates a platform for football in NSW to monitor their effectiveness and the performance of government and public investment.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 13 STATE GOVERNMENT ALIGNMENT STATE GOVERNMENT ALIGNMENT

Her Sport Her Way Active Kids With a clear female focus, Her Sport Her Way, Data from the NSW Population Health Survey shows that 75 per cent of children in NSW are not meeting the daily examines the way sport in NSW is delivered, coached, recommended level of physical activity, which is 60 active minutes each day. Further, 22 per cent of children aged 5 marketed, led, sponsored and consumed.STATE One GOVERNMENT of the to 16 years ALIGNMENT are reported as being overweight or obese. twelve key objectivesSTATE is to GOVERNMENT lead, guide, inform and ALIGNMENT STATE GOVERNMENTThe Active ALIGNMENT Kids program, launched in 2018, aims to increase participation of school-enrolled children in sport and invest in the provision of sport facilities that support physical activity by providing parents with vouchers to help cover the cost of registration and membership fees. women and girls. ThroughACTIVE KIDS the 671,756 vouchers issued in 2018, football was the number 1 activity for boys and number 2 activity for More than 23% ofHER 2019Her SPORT registered Sport HER Her WayfootballWAY Active Kids girlsData from in NSW. the NSW The Population additional Health Survey 1,284,091 shows that vouchers 75 per cent issued of children in in2019 NSW saw football again be the top activity for boys (and participants in NSW Withwere a clearfemale female (more focus, thanHer Sport Her Way, Data from the NSW Population Health Survey shows that 75 per cent of children in NSW are not meeting the daily With a clear female focus, Her Sport Her Way, fourthare not meetingactivity the for daily girls). recommended Overall, level football of physical has activity,had the which most is 60 vouchers active issued for any team sport and football code 63,000), making itexamines theexamines largest the way the female waysport sport in footballNSW in NSW is delivered, is delivered, coached,minutes eachrecommended day. Further, 22 level per ofcent physical of children activity, aged which 5 to 16 is years 60 active are reported minutes as beingeach day. Further, 22 per cent of children aged 5 coached,marketed, marketed, led, sponsored led, sponsored and consumed. and One of thewhenoverweight compared toor 16obese. years to are other reported sports as being such overweight as AFL, or cricket,obese. rugby league and rugby union. participation codeconsumed. intwelve Australia. One key ofobjectives the twelve is to key lead, objectives guide, inform is and The Active KidsThe program,Active Kids launched program, in 2018, launched aims to in increase 2018, aims participation to increase of school-enrolled participation of children school-enrolled in sport and children physical in sport and to lead,invest guide, in theinform provision and invest of sport in the facilities provision that supportAs at the end of February in 2020, of the 486,012 vouchers currently issued for the year, football is again the top activity by providingphysical parentsactivity withby providing vouchers toparents help cover with thevouchers cost of registrationto help cover and the membership cost of registration fees. and membership fees. This Strategy identifiesof sportwomen the facilities current and that girls. support football women and girls. rankedThrough the activity 671,756 for vouchers boys issued and insecond 2018, football for girls. was the All number of these 1 activity numbers for boys and indicate number 2 thatactivity football for girls inis clearly the most More than 23% of 2019 registered football infrastructure available to female participants and NSW. The additionalThrough 1,284,091the 671,756 vouchers vouchers issued issued in 2019 in saw2018, football football again was be the the numbertop activity 1 activity for boys for (and boys fourth and activity number for 2 activity for participantsMore than in NSW 23% wereof 2019 female registered (more footballthan participated activity for voucher recipients and a strong indication that cost can be a barrier to participation. identifies the gaps required to help grow and support girls). Overall,girls football in NSW. has had The the additional most vouchers 1,284,091 issued vouchers for any team issued sport in and 2019 football saw code football when again compared be the to top other activity sports for boys (and 63,000),participants making it in the NSW largest were female female football (more than such as AFL,fourth cricket, activity rugby forleague girls). and Overall, rugby union. football has had the most vouchers issued for any team sport and football code the game for womenparticipation and63,000), girl’s. code making in Australia. it the largest female football when compared to other sports such as AFL, cricket, rugby league and rugby union. As at the end of February in 2020, of the 486,012 vouchers currently issued for the year, football is again the top ranked This Strategyparticipation identifies code in the Australia. current football activity for boys and second for girls. All of these numbers indicate that football is clearly the most participated activity for infrastructure available to female participants As at the end of February in 2020, of the 486,012 vouchers currently issued for the year, football is again the top This Strategy identifies the current football voucher recipients and a strong indication that cost can be a barrier to participation. and identifies the gaps required to help grow ranked activity for boys and second for girls. All of these numbers indicate that football is clearly the most infrastructure available to female participants and and support the game for women and girl’s. participated activity for voucher recipients and a strong indication that cost can be a barrier to participation. identifies the gaps required to help grow and support the game for women and girl’s.

14 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

NSW Football InfrastructureNSW Football Strategy Infrastructure – Final Strategy June 2020 – Final June 2020 Page 14 Page 14 STATE GOVERNMENT ALIGNMENT STATE GOVERNMENTSTATE ALIGNMENTGOVERNMENT ALIGNMENT

With football being the number one participation sport in NSW it GREATER SYDNEY COMMISSION Greater Sydney Commission can play a major role in assisting and advocating to all levels of government to ensure open spaces and community sporting The Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) is an independentThe Greater Two Sydney specific Commission infrastructure (GSC) pillars isidentified an infrastructure are considered when planning and future proofing New South Wales Government agency responsible for independentland within New this South Strategy Wales directly Government align with agency the to make Greater Sydney. Future participation and demand projections use planning across the metropolitan area of Sydney. Its visionresponsible Greater for land Sydney use planningCommission’s across A Metropolis the is to make Greater Sydney more productive, sustainable of Three Cities approach – Planning for providedFIVE later DISTRICT in this Strategy clearly PLANS identify Greater Sydney as the metropolitan area of Sydney. Its vision is and liveable. growth and demand and Partnerships major growth area for future participants. 17 of the top 20 local Greater Sydneyand investment more productive,. The NSW sustainable Football and The Greater Sydney Commission’s Greater Sydney is growing fast. The region will be home to an government areas in NSW where most demand for football is liveable. Infrastructure Strategy and the Greater five District Plans provide a guide for estimated 1.6 million more people towards 2040. projected by 2031 are located within the Greater Sydney region. Sydney Commission’s regional approach implementing A Metropolis of Three Cities A Metropolis Greater Sydneyto planning is growing have very fast. strongly The region matched will be at a more localised level. The role of the GSC is to coordinate and align planning that Two specific infrastructure pillars identified within this Strategy will shape the future of Greater Sydney. The GSC is takinghome a to anprinciples estimated that 1.6can million create morea culture people and towards These 20-year plans bridge the gap STATE GOVERNMENT ALIGNMENT“one government” approach to this, so they can lead and program of joint planning to make Greater directly align with the GreaterPlanning Sydney forCommission’s growth and demand and 2040. between regional and local planning.NSW Football Infrastructure STATE GOVERNMENT ALIGNMENTguide development, transport and housing outcomes for the Sydney more productive, sustainable and of Three Cities approach – They inform local environmental plans, benefit of the region and its residents, workers and visitors. The roleliveable. of the GSC is to coordinate and align . The Partnershipscommunity strategic and investment plans and the To do this, the GSC have developed a Greater Sydney Regionalplanning that will shape the future of Greater Sydney. Strategyassessment and ofthe planning Greater proposals. Sydney Commission’s regional approach Plan - A Metropolis of Three Cities. The Plan integrates landThe GSC is taking a “one government” approach to to planning have very strongly matched principles that can create a Greater Sydney Commission The five District Plans also assist councils use, transport and infrastructure planning between the threethis, so they can lead and guide development, culture and program of joint planningliveable. to make Greater Sydney more The Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) is an With football being the number one participation sport in NSW it to plan and deliver for growth and change, tiers of government and across State agencies. It also centres transport and housing outcomes for the benefit of the productive, sustainable and independent New South Wales Government agency can playaround a major a vision role forin assisting three inter-connected and advocating cities to all wherelevels ofmost and to align their local planning strategies region and its residents, workers and visitors. responsible for land use planning across the governmentresidents to will ensure live openwithin spaces 30 minutes and community of their jobs, sporting education with place-based outcomes. metropolitan area of Sydney. Its vision is to make infrastructureand health are facilities considered and community when planning services. and future proofing To do this, the GSC have developed a Greater Sydney Greater Sydney. Future participation and demand projections A Metropolis of Three Cities. The Plan Greater Sydney more productive, sustainable and To meet the needs of the growing and changing population Regional Plan - . provided later in this Strategy clearly identify Greater Sydney as the liveable the vision seeks to transform Greater Sydney into three cities: major growth area for future participants. 17 of the top 20 local integrates land use, transport and infrastructure Greater Sydney is growing fast. The region will be government• The Western areas in Parkland NSW where City most demand for football is planning between the three tiers of government and home to an estimated 1.6 million more people towards Five District Plans projected• The by Central 2031 Riverare located City within the Greater Sydney region. across State agencies. It also centres around a vision at a more localised level. These 2040. • The Eastern Harbour City. The Greater Sydney Commission’s five District Plans provide a guide for Two specific infrastructure pillars identified within this Strategy for three inter-connected cities where most residents A Metropolis of Three Cities The role of the GSC is to coordinate and align directlyWith align football with the being Greater the Sydneynumber Commission’s one participation A Metropolis sport in will live within 30 minutes of their jobs, education and implementing planning that will shape the future of Greater Sydney. of ThreeNSW Cities it can approach play a major – Planning role in assisting for growth and andadvocating demand to and all health facilities and community services. 20-year plans bridge the gap between regional and local planning. They The GSC is taking a “one government” approach to Partnershipslevels of government and investment to ensure. The NSWopen Footballspaces and Infrastructure community inform local environmental plans, community strategic plans and the this, so they can lead and guide development, sporting infrastructure are considered when planning and Strategy and the Greater Sydney Commission’s regional approach To meet the needs of the growing and changing assessment of planning proposals. The five District Plans also assist transport and housing outcomes for the benefit of the future proofing Greater Sydney. Future participation and to planning have very strongly matched principles that can create a population the vision seeks to transform Greater region and its residents, workers and visitors. demand projections provided later in this Strategy clearly councils to plan and deliver for growth and change, and to align their local culture and program of joint planning to make Greater Sydney more Sydney into three cities: identify Greater Sydney as the major growth area for future planning strategies with place-based outcomes. To do this, the GSC have developed a Greater Sydney productive, sustainable and liveable. Page 15 participants. 17 of the top 20 local government areas in NSW • The Western Parkland City Regional Plan - A Metropolis of Three Cities. The Plan where most demand for football is projected by 2031 are The Central River City integrates land use, transport and infrastructure located within the Greater Sydney region. • planning between the three tiers of government and • The Eastern Harbour City. across State agencies. It also centres around a vision for three inter-connected cities where most residents NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 15 will live within 30 minutes of their jobs, education and health facilities and community services. Five District Plans NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 To meet the needs of the growing and changing The Greater Sydney Commission’s five District Plans provide a guide for population the vision seeks to transform Greater implementing A Metropolis of Three Cities at a more localised level. These Sydney into three cities: 20-year plans bridge the gap between regional and local planning. They inform local environmental plans, community strategic plans and the • The Western Parkland City assessment of planning proposals. The five District Plans also assist • The Central River City councils to plan and deliver for growth and change, and to align their local • The Eastern Harbour City. planning strategies with place-based outcomes.

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 15 KEY DRIVERS FOR CHANGE

Football in NSW continues to set new participation benchmarks and trends for all registered club participants. This makes football in NSW the largest of all football codes organised sport in Australia. There is no doubt that football continues to grow in terms of female club participants. in popularity and participation, which is a becoming a significant driver of need and change across the sector. ROLE OF SPORT IS CHANGING Football plays an important role in communities, providing significant physical and mental STRONG CURRENT AND GROWING PARTICIPATION health benefits, helping to raise physical activity levels, promoting social cohesion and In October 2019 National Sports Survey (AusPlay) results indicate that football is the number fostering multicultural inclusion. one organised sport in Australia with more than 1,853,600 million participants – a 13% The Federal Government and Football Federation Australia have also partnered to deliver increase on the previous year. new participation programs to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. New Children aged under 14 account for an estimated 42% of participation reported by AusPlay program initiatives include the ‘Walking Football’ program targeting older Australians, as data, indicating a strong base at the introductory level of the game, with clearly an already well as new safe, inclusive and social football programs such as ‘Soccer Mums’ (focusing on existing significant number of current adult (aged 15+) participants. adult female participation) and ‘Kick On for Women’ (targeting non-active females 16 and over including CALD communities). In 2019, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football collectively registered over 272,970 club participants of all ages – 11% growth since 2014. This figure does not include IMPACT OF GROWTH AND CHANGE school based competitions, social football or futsal or indoor football activities. With unprecedented growth, comes the need for investment and access to facilities. This level of registration numbers makes football in NSW the Being ranked as Australia’s number one participation sport, does lead to a range of largest of any State Sporting Organisation in Australia. challenges and barriers impacting facility provision, including: DIVERSIFYING Unprecedented growth in participation not necessarily matching the condition and PARTICIPATION number of existing facilities. Historically established and ageing facilities not catering for all gender use, Football is a game for everyone with and not adequately supporting participation by women and girls. Football NSW and Northern NSW Football driving participation growth by broadening the Potential over use of the existing available playing surfaces and the further football offering beyond the traditional 11-a-side winter season impact of ground closures due to climatic conditions. game. Additional participation leads to additional costs, for example the Mini-Roos and summer football are some examples of program installation of additional playing field lighting, increased field maintenance and initiatives focused on broadening the football participant base and calls for more expensive all year-round products such as synthetic surfaces to improve ensuring there are opportunities for more people to experience venue capacity. football. Expansion of programs and opportunities drives the desire and opportunity for AusPlay (October 2019) reported an estimated 396,000 girls and participants who want to play all year round, rather than be limited to seasons, creating women play football in Australia. Football NSW and Northern NSW Football challenges for multi-sport usage. reported 63,160 female participants across NSW in 2019, contributing 23% of

16 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK SUMMARY OF KEY FACILITY ISSUES

The following key facility issues were identified WE ARE FULL FEMALE PARTICIPATION as having the greatest impact on the growth and sustainability of football in NSW. Addressing these Football has 2,253 playing fields extensively used for 23% of registered football club participants are female, issues through the implementation of the NSW training and competition that are generally operating which equates to 63,160 of all football participants in Football Infrastructure Strategy will be required at capacity, given the quality of existing infrastructure. NSW. The highest participation numbers are found in the in order to plan and develop fit for purpose and Strategy research and facility audits conducted indicate 5 to 9 age group (18,540) and the 10 to 14 age group that football fields lose around 34% of their capacity due flexible facilities that meet the needs of current and (19,902) totaling 38,442. This makes up 61% of all female to current playing field conditions. future participants. footballers. These participation numbers make football While participation capacity at some existing venues can be the 2nd most popular team sport for females in Australia EVERYONE WANTS TO PLAY increased, many locations particularly across Metropolitan behind Netball. Sydney Football Associations, are at maximum capacity. Football has many appealing benefits including fitness, hand eye coordination, teamwork, social skills, is fun, Various examples exist where player numbers have been OFF-FIELD FACILITY CONDITION easy to understand and is generally non-contact which is capped, with junior players on waiting lists hoping to appealing to many parents. join a club. As an example, with the football participation Off-field facility conditions predominately consider change room amenity, and to a lesser extent, social and canteen The highest rate of participation is the 5 to 9 rates and unmet demand that exists across NSW today, year old age group with 84,188 registered an estimated additional 2,000 hours of football in Sydney spaces. alone could be played each week if access to additional participants in NSW, closely followed by In NSW, female participation rates in the club environment pitches were to be available. 77,914 in the 10 to 14 year old age group. remain lower than males, with facilities at community Collectively, the number of 5 to 14 year football venues playing a key factor in encouraging and old’s totals 162,102, equating to 60% of the 272,970 registered participants in supporting female participation. 2019. These participation numbers Historically for football, facilities have been primarily In addition, participation rates make football the most designed to meet the needs of male participants, but to remain strong in the 30 to 39 popular team sport in encourage more women and girls to participate in sport year age cohort with 1.8% Australia. today as a player or official, more user-friendly facilities are of the population playing required. competition football. The 40 to 49 year age bracket Examples of all gender facilities include: also continues to provide The Sutherland Shire FA have had to restrict participation strong participation with a 1.5% to those that live within the Association boundary, turning • Change facilities that cater for the needs of all genders. participation rate. others away due to capacity challenges. • Individual and lockable showers for players and referees. • Privacy screens and no urinals There is significant potential for adult Training space availability, accompanied by greater participation to grow in the future as provision of playing field lighting are seen as the key facility • Inviting community spaces. a “flow on” effect of todays juniors issues to address. These, in turn, will increase participation • Clean and easily assessable facilities. becoming tomorrows adults. opportunities and reduce the need for player waiting lists. • Family friendly attributes (e.g. baby change).

18 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 19 SUMMARY OF KEY FACILITY ISSUES

ON-FIELD FACILITY CONDITION SPORTS LIGHTING On-field football condition is effected by a range of Provision of sports lighting is a key infrastructure different factors, including: requirement to build participation that allows football infrastructure to be used at its maximum capacity. • grass type and coverage • irrigation Without floodlighting, clubs are restricted in terms of • drainage providing training opportunities and hosting competitive games during the week, resulting in all activity being • surface level facilitated on weekends. Over time there will be reduced • maintenance regime, budget and expertise capacity on weekends and alternative times will be • overuse required to deliver more football. • original construction methods Of the 2253 playing fields across NSW, 641 (or 28%) do • shared use not have sports lighting. In addition, there are a further • floodlighting 383 (17%) fields that do not meet the 50 lux Australian Minimum requirements for a usable field of play are training standard. Collectively this means 45% of all sports related to safety which requires an even playing surface lighting currently provided does not meet the minimum and consistent grass cover. As players skills improve and participant training standards. children progress through to higher levels of competition, the quality of the playing surface has a direct correlation IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE to the enjoyment derived from the game and standard of coaching able to be delivered. The combinations of dry weather - no irrigation and wet weather - no drainage are proven conditions that ensure poor playing surfaces, and in the worst-case scenario, OF THE 1,582 FULL-SIZED PLAYING unsafe to use. FIELDS IN NSW: When combined with significant participation demand, these football surfaces are susceptible to damage that • 292 (18%) with no floodlighting cannot be quickly or easily repaired. • 291 (18%) with floodlighting below 50 Lux Of the 2253 community playing fields across NSW, around 1,138 (or 51%) do not have functional drainage infrastructure • 796 (50%) with no automated irrigation and 517 (natural grass fields) have no irrigation, equating to 25% or 1 in 4 fields. Combined, there are around one • 969 (61%) with no functional drainage third (33%) of playing fields that don’t have the necessary below ground infrastructure to cater for the significant use, • 145 (9%) with no floodlighting, growing demands and climatic conditions experienced automated irrigation and drainage across NSW.

20 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY SUMMARY OF KEY FACILITY ISSUES

“Everyone knows how SYNTHETIC PLAYING FIELDS popular soccer is on the There are 58 synthetic playing fields used for club football competition in NSW, with this number continually increasing. The benefits of providing Northern Beaches when synthetic surfaces are well documented and their ongoing provision form a strong objective within this Strategy. it comes to participation When delivered in the correct manner, through professional design and construction methodologies that are ‘site suitable’, their use can be numbers, and it is great to significantly maximised. In many cases, a full-size synthetic playing field (with multiple small sided options), floodlit to match capable standards can deliver up to 2.2 times the utilisation hours of grass pitches. have two more synthetic In areas where opportunity to deliver new playing fields is limited and pitches at Lionel Watts” demand is exceeding capacity, synthetic fields need to be considered as a viable option to manage participation and field quality challenges. Northern Beaches Council Mayor, Michael Regan

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 21 SUMMARY OF KEY FACILITY ISSUES

PLANNING FORSUMMARY THE FUTURE OF KEY FACILITYVISION ISSUES Creating a new town centre on the Parramatta River for the community to enjoy SUMMARY OF KEY FACILITYbeautiful ISSUES parks and open spaces, with a revitalized riverfront and an active street life that is The NSW government has developed a new approach to connected to the greater Parramatta. precinct planning with the focus around people, places, public spaces and the environment, placing greater responsibilityPlanning for for planning the future in the hands of Council and local communities. The NSW government has developed a new approach to The precinctNorth West planning and withSouth the West focus Growth around Centrespeople, places,guide the publicfuture spacesdevelopment and the environment,of green field placing sites greater and the redevelopmentresponsibility of for existing planning land in thespaces. hands There of Council is a range and local of newcommunities. open spaces, new infrastructure and mixed-use development that supports local community transport, employment,The North education, West and Southhousing West and Growth recreation Centres needs. guide the future development of green field sites and the In greenredevelopment field sites, of existing ideal land land spaces.parcels for There community is a range of footballnew openare typicallyspaces, newflat infrastructure grasslands, and (no mixed-use mountains, waterways,development bushland) that supports and can localcater community for a minimum transport, of 2 preferablyemployment, synthetic education, fields. Ideallyhousing they and recreationare co-located needs. in an adjacent configuration, close to pavilion, supporting amenitiesIn green and field car sites,parking. ideal land parcels for community football are typically flat grasslands, (no mountains, waterways, To guidebushland) best practiceand can caterplanning, for a aminimum land space of 2 ofpreferably up to 6 hectaressynthetic is recommended fields. Ideally thatthey allowsare co-located sufficient in an space adjacent for supportingconfiguration, community close infrastructure to pavilion, supporting inclusive ofamenities parking, and car play parking.spaces, public amenity, pathway connections and community pavilion. To guide best practice planning, a land space of up to 6 For thehectares redevelopment is recommended and repurposing that allows ofsufficient existing space land, for footballsupporting as a rectangular community field infrastructure of play sport, inclusive can makeof parking, best play use ofspaces, open spaces public amenity,where land pathway availability connections is at a premium. and community Footballpavilion. has the flexibility to play a range of modified activities on irregular sized spaces, increasing the potential of useFor of thenew redevelopment open space opportunities. and repurposing of existing land, football as a rectangular field of play sport, can make best Footballuse ofNSW open and spaces Northern where NSW land availabilityFootball also is at have a premium. a rangeFootball of facility has guides the flexibility to support to play construction a range of ofmodified football CamelliaCamellia Town Town Centre Centre Draft Master Master Plan Plan FootballFootball and Northern and Northern NSW Facility NSW GuidesFacility Guides facilities.activities on irregular sized spaces, increasing the potential of use of new open space opportunities. Vision – Creating a new town centre on the Parramatta River for the community to enjoy beautiful parks and Football NSW and Northern NSW Football also have a range open spaces, with a revitalized riverfront and an active street life that is connected to the greater of facility guides to support construction of football facilities. Parramatta. 22 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 20 STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

The diagram below outlines the strategic framework for the future provision of football facilities and their development throughout NSW for the period 2020 to 2030. Five key infrastructure pillars and supporting objectives have been identified and are underpinned by prioritised actions.

PRINCIPLES: ACCESSIBLE, INNOVATIVE, INCLUSIVE, SUSTAINABLE

NSW INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES

IMPROVE INCLUSIVE PLANNING FOR PARTNERSHIPS HOMES OF EXISTING FOOTBALL GROWTH AND AND FOOTBALL VENUE CAPACITY FACILITIES DEMAND INVESTMENT

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Maximise the safety, carrying Support diversity of game Improve access to football Plan to maximise participation Develop and maintain capacity and activation of formats and participants programs, pathways and through new and innovative relationships with all levels existing football grounds and through inclusive facilities development services venue opportunities of government and industry venues partners

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS AND STATE-WIDE INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES

The following pages provide a summary of the 34 state-wide infrastructure priorities, their drivers and proposed strategic responses to address football facility planning and development across NSW between 2020 and 2030.

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION / ZONE INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES

26 Football Area Summaries identify the infrastructure priorities, their drivers and proposed strategic responses to address localised football facility planning for each Football Association, Zone and Regional Branch.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 23 STATE-WIDE INFRASTRUCTURE PILLARS & AREAS OF FOCUS

IMPROVE EXISTING VENUE CAPACITY

Maximise the safety, carrying capacity and activation of existing football grounds and venues

GARDEN SUBURB FOOTBALL CLUB How improving the capacity of existing pitches helped to provide more opportunities for women and girls to play football, resulting in rebuilding a community Club

1.1 Maintain SFA-Football and SportsEye Garden Suburb Football Club (GSFC) is a community Over the last five years, GSFC has seen the number of use and data in conjunction with clubs, football club located at Lance Yorke Oval near Newcastle. members grow from 170 to over 470 for the 2019 season, associations and councils During the mid-2000s, the GSFC faced a significant with further growth anticipated into the future. decline in membership due to increased competition from 1.2 Increase pitch lighting levels and introduce The improved condition of the playing surfaces and other clubs in the area offering other programs. This led more LED lighting additional training areas has provided the pitch capacity to difficulties recruiting new members and threatened the that has allowed the Club to grow. For GSFC to continue 1.3 Increase synthetic and hybrid surface Club’s long-term sustainability. to grow along this trajectory, further investment will be provision At the time, a number of the Club’s committee had young required to upgrade the lighting at the facility. This will 1.4 Increase industry education on the daughters and identified there weren’t many opportunities allow more training during the evenings and allow an importance of pitch drainage and irrigation for women and girls to play football. As a result, the additional two women’s teams to play in the Friday night Committee decided to invest in providing girls only competition. 1.5 Engage associations and councils in venue football teams and development opportunities. Initially and resource allocation to match capacity An upgrade to the lighting would also increase the GSFC the Club focused on recruiting junior girls to the club, but ability to expand the “Kick On for Women” program, a 1.6 Monitor ground closure impact as this grew, so did the number of senior women who also non-judgement, friendly and social introductory program joined the club. 1.7 Support preferred suppliers to assist with which encourages mothers to get involved in the game. site investigations and capital projects To accommodate the increased growth of women and In addition to the facility improvements which have directly including pitch renovations (inc. drainage, girls’ football, the Club needed to improve the standard benefitted the Club, it has also created a more inviting irrigation, surfaces), synthetic surfaces, of the two pitches it had access to, in order to provide a environment for people in the local community to use the lighting, player benches, scoreboards, quality playing experience to all members. goal posts provision. facility as an active recreation space.

24 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY STATE-WIDE INFRASTRUCTURE PILLARS & AREAS OF FOCUS

INCLUSIVE FOOTBALL FACILITIES

Support diversity of game formats and participants through inclusive facilities

CHARLES PIRIE RESERVE Inclusive facilities and amenities for the St George Warriors, Carss Park Football Club and the St George Football Association Referee’s

2.1 Increase and improve gender neutral Charles Pirie Reserve is home to the Carss Park Football The development of the new amenities building provides player and match official change room Club (CPFC) who play in the St George Football Association the Club’s and the community with an innovative, safe, provision (SGFA). With 476 registered participants in 2019, Carrs inclusive and fully compliant facility. Park FC is one of the largest clubs within the SGFA. 2.2 Identify practical shared and multi-use The new facility has been designed to meet the needs of design models for built facilities with The Reserve also hosts the St George Warriors, who everyone, with all areas of the facility to be modified to alternate and compatible sports participate in the SGFA special needs program. The enable access for players and their carers. program has grown to four teams in the space of a few 2.3 Create an amenities guide that promotes The new facility includes: canteen, storage, gender neutral short years; however the Charles Pirie Reserve amenities universal and gender neutral design change rooms (each change room includes a compliant building did not comply with minimum standards and principles and related information on change facility which meets Australian Standards), referees didn’t provide adequate levels of access for disabled building and site planning for inclusive rooms, medical room, public amenities, covered BBQ area players or their carers. football activities and wider door opening and circulation spaces to comply 2.4 Identify opportunities for shared school The site also provides a home for the SGFA referees branch. with Australian Standards. Together these key user groups create a truly diverse based facility models At a total project cost of $1.75 million, the provision of range of uses for the site, well beyond a typical single club inclusive football facilities will have a long term positive 2.5 Identify opportunities to collaborate with environment. other ‘outdoor pitch sports’ to unlock impact on football participation in the local community. To add to the complexity of the challenges at Charles Pirie investment for multi-sport venues $750,000 in funding was provided through the Greater Reserve, the site is in a flood prone location and existing Sydney Sports Facility Fund and a $1,000,000 from the amenities were also not meeting the current and longer Georges River Council. term needs of the Carss Park FC.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 25 STATE-WIDE INFRASTRUCTURE PILLARS & AREAS OF FOCUS

HOMES OF FOOTBALL

Improve access to football programs, pathways and development services

CHRISTIE PARK Transforming a grassroots football club facility into a dedicated football hub for football clubs, NPL teams and the broader North West Sydney community via the Christie Park Master Plan

3.1 Establish a minimum of one Home of Christie Park has been the home of football for North The key elements of the plan for football included two FIFA Football per football catchment area West Sydney Football Association (formerly known as accredited synthetic fields with cork infill to provide cooler (regional branch, association, zone) Gladesville Hornsby Football Association) for many years. playing conditions, new tiered seating for 500 spectators Christie Park is the administration home for NWSFA, the and floodlighting to 200 lux for both synthetic fields for 3.2 Identify potential Home of Football 5th largest football association in NSW. night matches. locations and their type of focus (football, multi-sport, community) The site accommodated one full sized natural turf field Stage 1 of master plan implementation was $3.5m and was used for competition and one smaller sized natural turf funded City of Ryde. 3.3 Develop a core service program field used for youth training. One building was provided and preferred facility and amenity Christie Park has now become a centralised home for Ryde on site, incorporating office space, canteen, change requirements for Homes of Football based NPL clubs: rooms, referees’ room. (including event capacity) • North West Sydney Spirit FC (NPL Men’s) The Spirit Football Club were the only key user of the 3.4 Identify business and management plan • North West Sydney Koalas FC (NPL Women’s) objectives for Homes of Football facilities. • Gladesville Ryde Magic (NPL Men’s) The Christie Park Master Plan was commissioned and 3.5 Prepare case studies for successfully • Gladesville Ravens (NPL Women’s) operating Homes of Football for promotion delivered in 2016. The four-stage master plan included full site redevelopment inclusive of full-size and small sided • Grassroots clubs in the North West Sydney FA. 3.6 Identify land, investment and partnership synthetic pitches, new off-field amenities and an improved The synthetic fields at Christie park are each opportunities for new Homes of Football Home of Football for the North West Sydney Football accommodating almost three times the use of the previous development Association. natural grass pitch and have created a consistent and safe A key outcome of the master plan was unlocking open playing surface for all users. space for the community.

26 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY STATE-WIDE INFRASTRUCTURE PILLARS & AREAS OF FOCUS

PLANNING FOR GROWTH AND DEMAND

Plan to maximise participation through new and innovative venue opportunities

GLENMORE PARK FOOTBALL CLUB

4.1 Engage with planners, developers, NSW How a new facility has helped Glenmore Park Football Club cater for its growth and build a community Government and commercial sector to focused club culture identify future sites for football current needs and long-term requirements 4.2 Identify flexible facility designs that address evolving community needs and Glenmore Park Football Club (GPFC) is a community “The Nest” as it is known by Club members, was opened uses football club located near Penrith. After successive years in 2017 and provides the Club with a single facility to host of growth, GPFC had reached capacity with its facilities. weekly home matches. 4.3 Develop sustainable football model venue With over 1,100 members and 100 teams, the Club had designs and land area requirements to The new facility allows for all of GPFC home games to be been forced to train and play games across two venues, support precinct structure planning played at one facility, which has led to a more cohesive Glenmore Park and Cheds Town Reserve. culture across the Club. It has also halved the number of 4.4 Support satellite venue management of Being split across two facilities required the GPFC to find volunteers required on weekends. new venues via the existing club network twice as many volunteers each week, placing pressure on (maximising and streamlining volunteer The Club is now located further away from shopping parents with multiple children at the Club. Additionally, resources) centres and fast food outlets, resulting in increased revenue some of the Club’s teams had to play home games at generated through the canteen. This additional revenue 4.5 Advocate for football through offering neutral venues because of the shortage of pitches available has allowed the club to invest in other aspects of the club, expertise (or review) of site master plans for weekend matches. and precinct structure plans including subsidising courses for coaches and improving At both venues, the facilities were aged, run-down and the player experience through purchasing new equipment. 4.6 Continue to identify sites not yet accessed required significant annual investment from the Club to In addition to the benefits to the Club, the fields provide by football, where capacity may exist for maintain them. Further adding to the financial strain was a community hub for local residents to engage in active future use (eg. school sites, multi-sport the close proximity of Cheds Town Reserve to the local recreation such as personal training, recreational running sites) shopping centre and fast food outlet, which negatively and other leisure activities. The clubrooms have also impacted the Club’s ability to generate revenue through 4.7 Continue to use data driven techniques to provided a space for other community groups to utilise for the canteen. ensure there are enough facilities in the meetings and community activities. right locations to meet football’s current needs and long-term aspirations

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 27 STATE-WIDE INFRASTRUCTURE PILLARS & AREAS OF FOCUS

PARTNERSHIPS AND INVESTMENT

Develop and maintain relationships with all levels of government and industry partners

5.1 Develop a Stakeholder Engagement Framework NORTH EPPING RANGERS SPORTS CLUB that, when applied, builds relationships with all levels of local and state government and is Community and local sporting clubs coming together with Federal, State and Local Government to implemented by football associations, zones and create a truly multi-purpose facility regional branches 5.2 Promote the NSW Football Facility Hierarchy to demonstrate venue priorities over ‘desirable amenities’ The North Epping Rangers Sports Club (NERSC) is a The new multi-purpose facility has primarily been used 5.3 Develop relationships with partners that will better combined football and netball club in the Sydney suburb by the NERSC to run MiniRoos and Summer Football position football in NSW as a key influencer in sports of Epping. programs. The first season of summer football proved to facility provision and policy development (e.g. be so popular, the NERSC had to find additional space to Sport NSW, Office of Sport, Local Councils) When the NERSC experienced a surge in registrations, the run some matches. Many of the participants in the summer club rapidly started running out of space at their facility at 5.4 In conjunction with facility and sport partners (e.g. football program were parents of existing junior players at North Epping Oval to accommodate all of the club’s junior Tennis NSW, Bowls NSW), identify opportunities for the club. small-sided football / futsal facility provision teams, particularly in netball. Adding to this pressure was 5.5 Continue to develop internal investment capacity the use of the netball courts for tennis during the summer On the back of summer football, NERSC has seen an within FNSW and NNSWF to support and contribute months. increase in registrations for the overaged teams, with an additional three men’s and two women’s teams registering to state and local government facility initiatives and The NERSC had been lobbying local government for over for the winter season. funding programs 10 years to have additional netball courts built but had 5.6 Continue to deliver a program of state-wide facility challenges finding the appropriate space in the local area. The bowls club has also benefitted from the new facility planning, advisory and education forums with more people coming through the door and spending With the help of the Hornsby Council, the NERSC identified 5.7 Continue to provide and develop facility planning money on food and beverage. The club is now open later a parcel of land owned by the North Epping Bowls Club and guidance materials to facility providers and on weeknights, with many parents and summer football (NEBC). This land had previously been earmarked for landowners participants staying at the club after the game for dinner. a third bowling green almost 50 years ago, however, 5.8 Make available and conduct training for associations declining membership at the Bowls Club meant that a third In addition to providing a space for the Club to run these / zones on SportsEye and SFA-Football tools green was no longer required, and this land was available programs it also provides and all-weather training option 5.9 Share football data with local government to drive for development. for when the fields at North Epping Oval are out of action and guide football’s needs locally and to embed as a result of bad weather. accurate data into local area planning

28 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FOOTBALL CONTEXT FOOTBALL FEDERATION AUSTRALIA FOOTBALLFOOTBALL IN AUSTRALIA IN AUSTRALIA

History HISTORY Whole of Football Plan, aFFA vision ROLE for Football in 2035 Football Federation Australia (FFA) is the governing bodyFootball of football Federation in Australia Australia and (FFA) is the Thegoverning Whole body of Football of football Plan (WOFP)FFA providesoversees thelong-term men’s (Socceroo’s),targets with an emphasis on is a member of Federation Internationale de Football Associationin Australia (FIFA). and is aFootball member of Federationredistribution Internationale of de resources Football to communitywomen’s football(Matilda’s), so youth, that the Paralympic, game will continue to Association (FIFA). Football Federation Australia was established in 2004 beach and futsal national teams in Federation Australia was established in 2004 and is a member-basedand is a member-based organisation organisation with membershipthrive at the comprised grassroots. of: Australia, the national coaching programs with membership comprised of: and the nine state governing bodies for • Football New South Wales Facilities is one of the nine identifiedthe sport. interconnected There are over components 100 district, to achieve an • Football New South Wales • Northern New South Wales Football expanded football community whereregional football and local can zones be enjoyedand associations “Anytime, Anyhow, • Capital Football Anywhere”. that the States collectively supervise. • Northern New South Wales Football • Football Victoria Through the delivery of the NSWThe Football FFA manage Infrastructure a number ofStrategy, significant Football NSW and • Capital Football • Football Queensland football events, including the Football Northern NSW Football bring a coordinated approach to the delivery of football • Football West Federation Australia Cup (FFA) Cup • Football Victoria facilities across the State. The challengewhich is a footballto improve knockout existing competition football facilities while • Football South Australia planning to support long-term participantheld across growth Australia. is a key deliverable of the strategy. • Football Queensland • Football Tasmania • Football Northern Territory. • Football West • Football South Australia • Football Tasmania

• Football Northern Territory. WHOLE OF FOOTBALL PLAN, A VISION FOR FOOTBALL IN 2035

The Whole of Football Plan (WOFP) provides long-term targets with an emphasis on redistribution of resources to community football so that the game will continue to FFA rolethrive at the grassroots. FFA overseesFacilities the is men’sone of (Socceroo’s),the nine identified women’s interconnected (Matilda’s), youth,components Paralympic, to achieve beach an and futsalexpanded national football teams communityin Australia, where the national football coaching can be enjoyed programs “Anytime, and the Anyhow, nine state governingAnywhere”. bodies for the sport. There are over 100 district, regional and local zones andThrough associations the delivery that of the the States NSW Football collectively Infrastructure supervise. Strategy, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football bring a coordinated approach to the delivery of football The FFAfacilities manage across a number the State. of significant The challenge football to improve events, existing including football the Football facilities while Federationplanning Australia to support Cup (FFA) long-term Cup participant which is a growth football is knockouta key deliverable competition of the strategy.held across Australia.

30

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 28 FOOTBALL IN AUSTRALIA

FFA HEALTH, FOOTBALL AND COMMUNITY The FFA’s Health, Football and Community Facilities Plan identified a FACILITIES PLAN number of strategic objectives and related outcomes: • Build local support for Government Football, as the largest participation sport in Australia, has • Stimulate local economies a significant role to play. However, football’s demand is exceeding the current number of facilities and leaving • Alignment of local development with National priorities many kids behind. To promote healthy • Increase participation and improve access for girls and women in sport lifestyles, there is an untapped • Improve general health outcomes opportunity for government, • Establish a $100 million national community fund through Government investment. community and sports clubs to partner and grow Many of these strategic objectives and outcomes remain relevant for Football participation, and drive NSW and Northern NSW Football. NSW peak bodies also have the opportunity positive health outcomes. to provide the greatest impact on delivering these national priorities due to the volume of participants within NSW – being more than 50% of national football Roy Morgan Research conducted in 2017 participation. identified that football had increased its competition participants by 46% since 2001 across Australia. In 2017 AusPlay data identified more than 1.1 million participants FFA GENDER EQUITY ACTION PLAN (2019) were engaged in football. FFA projections at the Released in 2019, the FFA’s Gender Equity Action Plan focuses on closing time indicated that football participation across Australia could the gap and transforming men’s football and women’s football into grow to more than 3 million by 2030. football. The Action Plan recognises that participation by women The FFA conducted a State of the Game in Australia assessment to help identify and girl’s is the fastest growing area of the game, with around the extent of the challenges that this rapid growth was having on the game 139,000 female players participating in regular structured and stakeholders nationally. The following key findings were reported in football activities nationally. 2017, many of which remain current in 2020 across the country and have The FFA believe that by ensuring 50/50 women and men been reinforced within NSW through this Strategy: playing football, improving on-ground facilities, recruiting • 29% of LGAs reported they had no facilities to support football activities. and supporting women into leadership positions and bridging the pay gap, football can become leaders in community sport. • Inadequate facilities were holding back football’s growth. The Action Plan further identifies five key focus areas, of which Participation and • Around 2,500 players were turned away each season due to capacity issues. Facilities is one. Increasing the capacity of facilities to cater for new participants via • Female registrations were growing at 8% annually, with 23% of total national increased facility funding is one of the key initiatives outlined by the FFA to support registrations female. future facility provision. • Women’s and girls’ facilities were the priority. • 92% of 8,500 survey respondents indicated they would support a government that invested in the improvement of local facilities.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 31 STRUCTURE OF FOOTBALL IN NSW

NSW is managed via two peak football bodies, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football, both of which are affiliated to the FFA. While both organisations operate independent competitions, development activities and education courses, planning and supporting football facilities and infrastructure improvement is conducted in a very coordinated way. The NSW Facilities and Advocacy Unit has the responsibility for providing leadership, information and advice to stakeholders of both Football NSW and Northern NSW Football, reporting through to the CEOs of both organisations. This allows both organisations to share resources and collectively and strategically target key projects and initiatives at a state-wide level. In terms of club football management, typically, youth and senior competition are divided into two sections: 1. Representative or semi-professional Football which is run by Football NSW and Northern NSW Football (referred to as the National Premier League or NPL competition). 16 METRO 2. Club competition or amateur community competition – which ASSOCIATIONS is typically run by the 38 Football Associations and Zones (31 3 Regional Branches affiliated with Football NSW and 7 affiliated with Northern NSW Football) • Western • Southern National Premier 7 Football Zones The 31 Football NSW Associations are managed by 16 • Riverina Metropolitan Sydney Associations and via 3 Regional Branches League (NPL) and (Western, Southern and Riverina), containing 15 independent Comprising 15 Regional State Teams Regional Football Associations. Associations Capital Football manages the competition and football activities delivered within the ACT, as well as providing competition opportunities for some clubs in the surrounding areas of NSW. This is to ensure travel time and distance are not barriers for local clubs to participate in community football. Community Community Competition Competition

32 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FOOTBALL REGIONS NSW FOOTBALL REGIONS

Football NSW Associations, Regional Branches andFOOTBALL Northern NSW Football REGIONS NSW FOOTBALL REGIONS ZonesNSW Map FOOTBALL REGIONS NORTHERN

Football NSW Associations, Regional Branches and Northern NSW Football Zones Map WESTERN

KEY:FootballKEY: NSW Associations, Regional Branches and Northern NSW Football Northern NSW NSW Football Football Zone Zone Zones Map Football NSWNSW Association Association Metro Metro NORTHERN

Football NSWNSW RegionalRegional Branch Branch

ACT CapitalCapital Football WESTERN METRO SYDNEY KEY: RIVERINA Note: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Capital SOUTHERN Football are Northernoutside the NSW project Football scope. Zone

Football NSW Association Metro

Football NSW Regional Branch

ACT Capital Football CAPITAL METRO SYDNEY RIVERINA Note: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Capital SOUTHERN Football are outside the project scope.

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 31

CAPITAL

Note: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Capital Football are outside the project scope.

NSWNSW FOOTBALL Football INFRASTRUCTURE Infrastructure STRATEGY Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 3133 FOOTBALL NSW METRO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS FOOTBALLFOOTBALL NSW NSW – METRO – METRO FOOTBALL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS ASSOCIATIONS

SydneyFOOTBALL is Australia’s most populatedNSW cityMETRO with an estimated FOOTBALL population over 5 millionASSOCIATIONS people.FOOTBALLSydney is Australia’s most NSWpopulated city– withMETRO an estimated populationFOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS over 5 million people. There are approximately 650 suburbs that cover land areas approximately 70km to theThere west, are 40km approximately to the north and 650 60 suburbs km to the that south cover that land are areas serviced approximately by the 16 FootballSydney70km NSW tois Australia’sthe Metropolitan west, most 40km populated Associations. to the city north with andan estimated 60 km populationto the south over that5 million are people. serviced by the 16 Football NSW Metropolitan Associations. Metropolitan Associations provided 71.6% of the total registered winter participants in There are approximately 650 suburbs that cover land areas approximately 70km to 4 NSWtheMetropolitan west,in 2019, 40km equating toAssociations the north to 195,341 and provided 60 kmplayers to the 71.6%. south of that the are total serviced registered by the 16 winter Footballparticipants NSW inMetropolitan NSW in 2019, Associations. equating to 195,341 players.

Metropolitan# FNSW Associations Metro Association provided 71.6% of the total registered winter participants in 4 NSW in 2019, equating to 195,341 players. Bankstown District Amateur 12 1 Football Association 9 Macarthur Football Association 11 # FNSW Metro Association 8 Blacktown District Soccer Manly Warringah Football 13 10 2 Bankstown DistrictDistrict Amateur Amateur 10 12 1 Football Association 9 MacarthurAssociation Football Football Association Association 11 2 Football Association Association 8 CanterburyBlacktown District &District District Soccer Soccer Soccer Manly Warringah Football Football 13 710 3 2 Football Association 1011 Nepean Football Association Football Association Association Association 2 14 3 1 5 Canterbury & & District District Soccer Soccer North West Sydney Football 7 15 Central Coast Football Nepean FootballFootball Association Association 4 3 Football Association Association 1112 Association 14 3 1 5 North WestWest Sydney Sydney Football Football 15 16 EasternCentral SuburbsCoast FootballFootball Football Northern Suburbs Football 5 4 1213 Association Association Association 9 16 Eastern Suburbs Football Northern Suburbs Suburbs Football Football 5 13 Southern Districts Soccer FootballAssociation South Coast Association 6 Association 14 AssociationFootball Association 9 Southern Districts Soccer 6 GranvilleFootball South&South Districts Coast Coast Soccer 14 Southern Districts FootballSt George Association Football Association 7 Football Association 15 6 Granville & Districts Soccer Granville & Districts Soccer St GeorgeGeorge FootballFootball Association Association 7 Football Association 15 Sutherland Shire Football HillsFootball Football Association 8 16 Association 6 Sutherland ShireShire Football Football Hills Football 8 16 Association

NSW34 Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTUREPage STRATEGY 32 NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 32 FOOTBALL NSW REGIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS FOOTBALL NSW – REGIONALFOOTBALL FOOTBALL NSW – REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS

1 WESTERN BRANCH Three football branches; Western, 1 Western Branch Three football branches; Bathurst Football Southern and Riverina, provide communityWestern, Southern football competition and via 15 Bathurst Dubbo Football & District Football Association RegionalRiverina, Football provide Associationscommunity across Lachlan Amateur Soccer Association thefootball regional competition NSW football via 15community. Dubbo & District Football Association Lithgow District Football TheRegional population Football serviced Associations extends to Orange and District Football Association across the regional NSW 1 Dubbo in the North, services central Lachlan Western Amateur Plains Soccer Association Association populationfootball community. centres in Orange, Wagga Wagga and Albury and the coastal Lithgow2 SOUTHERN District Football BRANCH areasThe populationof Moruya and serviced Bega in the south. extends to Dubbo in the North, Eurobodalla Football Association The three football branches managed Orange and District Football Association services central population Far South Coast Football Association 24,266 registered participants in the centres in Orange, Wagga Highlands Soccer Association 2019 season, which equates to 8.9% of Western Plains Association totalWagga registered and Albury participants. and the Shoalhaven District Football Association coastal areas of Moruya and 2 Southern Southern Branch Tablelands Football Bega in the south.

Eurobodalla3 RIVERINA Football BRANCH Association The three football branches Albury Wodonga Football Association managed 24,266 registered Far SouthFootball Coast Wagga Football Wagga Association participants in the 2019 season, 3 Griffith and District Football Association 2 which equates to 8.9% of total Highlands Soccer Association South West Slopes Soccer Association registered participants. Shoalhaven District Football Association

SouthernNote: The AustralianTablelands Capital Football Territory (ACT) and Capital Football are outside the project scope. CAPITAL 3 Riverina Branch FOOTBALL

Albury Wodonga Football Association

Football Wagga Wagga

Griffith and District Football Association

South West Slopes Soccer Association Note: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Capital Football are outside the project scope.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 35

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 33 NORTHERN NSW FOOTBALL – FOOTBALL ZONES NORTHERN NSW FOOTBALL – FOOTBALL ZONES

Northern NSW Football Seven zones provide football services to the Northern NSW Football community.Seven The zones population provide servicedfootball services extends to theLismore Northern in the north of the state,NSW services Football central community. and coastal The population servicedcentres in Tamworth, 1 Port Macquarie,extends to Coffs Lismore Harbour in the and north includes of the state,Newcastle services to the south. central and coastal population centres in Tamworth, In 2019, the seven zones managed 53,363 registered participants, which equatesPort to Macquarie,19.5% of the Coffs winter Harbour community and includesfootball competition in NSW servicedNewcastle by 222 affiliated to the south. clubs. In 2019, the seven zones managed 53,363 registered participants, which equates to 19.5% of the winter community football competition in NSW serviced by NORTHERN222 affiliated NSW FOOTBALL clubs. ZONES 6 1 Football Far North Coast 7 2 Football Mid North Coast # Northern NSW Football Zones 3 Hunter Valley Football 4 Macquarie1 FootballFootball Far North Coast 5 Newcastle Football Football Mid North Coast 6 North2 Coast Football 7 Northern Inland Football 3 Hunter Valley Football

4 Macquarie Football

5 Newcastle Football 2

6 North Coast Football

7 Northern Inland Football

3

5

4

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 34

36 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY PARTICIPATION OVERVIEW NATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN FOOTBALL

PARTICIPATION The latest participation findings reported in October 2019 via the AusPlay national sports participation survey undertaken by Sport Australia indicates that football is ranked as the most popular organised sport in Australia. In the year to June 2019, 1,853,600 people played football in Australia comprising 1,084,200 adults and 769,400 children, with football having almost twice as many participants as any other football code. The AusPlay survey, estimates that 5.7% of the adult (15 years old+) male population regularly participates in football activities, with more than 431,900 girls and women participating across Australia. The survey reports, that more than 681,000 children aged up to 14 years took part in organised out-of-school football. Boys accounted for 78% of all children’s football participation. Adult participation in football is weighted towards males with 77% equating to 814,800 players. It should be noted, that football is still one of the most participated team sports by women in Australia, with AusPlay estimating that 269,300 women play football. Football participation rates were estimated to be higher in New South Wales (6.9%) and the Australian Capital Territory (7.2%) compared to all other states. Other state participation rates included Western Australia (4.9%), Queensland (4.8%), Northern Territory (4.8%), Tasmania (4.7%), Victoria (4.7%) and South Australia (3.9%). The peak participation rate for organised football/soccer AusPlay advise that NSW provides 40% was among children aged 9 to 11. Participation started to decline slightly earlier for boys (after 14 years of age) than girls (after 17 years). These trends are consistent with 2019 of all football participants in Australia Football NSW and Northern NSW Football registrations.

38 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY NATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN FOOTBALL

Both adult and children’s participation in football was highest in major cities compared to regional or remote areas.

NATIONAL FFA PARTICIPATION REPORT

The FFA 2019 National Participation Report, using participation data gathered from A-League and W-league Clubs, Associations, Zones and community clubs identified 1,957,522 participants. This was a 6% overall increase on 2018 participation figures. Northern Territory The independent October 2019 AusPlay survey identified 1,853,600 football participants with the FFA 2019 National 4.8% Queensland Participation Report identifying 1,957,522 football 9,689 4.8% participants. When compared, the participation reports are Western Australia 195,665 considered to be generally in accordance with the 103,922 4.9% variation likely due to the timing of the surveys undertaken 112,662 in 2019 and participation counting method for futsal. The South Australia participation growth trends by demographic and gender in both participation reports are consistent. 3.9% 56,508 New South Wales FUTURE GROWTH 6.9% 434,570 ACT Identifying trends, AusPlay recognise a net growth market opportunity for football with children. There was high 7.2% consideration among young children aged 5 to 8 to play 24,227 football, including stronger interest (compared to current participation rates) from girls. Victoria Football is a sport that can be played by all ages, skill levels and 4.7% backgrounds. As the most popular club-based participation 233,536 sport in Australia, it also has wide appeal as a recreation Tasmania activity. Source: Ausplay June 2019 4.5% football participation rates 19,237 by State

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 39 NSW FOOTBALL PARTICIPATION PROGRAMS

MINI-ROOS JUNIOR PARTICIPATION FOOTBALL4ALL With 227,000 boys and girls estimated to be playing While football has averaged a 11% increase overall in Football4all was established in 2008 to further in NSW per annum, the Mini-Roos ‘kick-off’ program participation between 2014 and 2019, the highest develop special needs and disability football programs is a fun, safe introductory program designed for new participation increases experienced in 5 to 9 year old’s across NSW. Football4all creates a support network players aged between 4 and 9. Mini-Roos ‘kick-off’ and 10 to 14 year old’s. for volunteers, coaches, parents and players to get programs are operated by clubs, scheduled after involved in football inclusion and experience all its This growth provides a significant opportunity to school, conducted at early learning centres or held benefits. convert young players to “footballers for life” with during school holidays. potential to transition participation into older age There are around 30 individual football4all club Daily or weekly 45 minute sessions that build skills groups. This statistic also highlights the importance or association programs operating that offer the through games and simple drills delivered in an of the “whole football experience” with investment opportunity for players to enjoy football participation engaging and inclusive environment. Every player in facilities, coaching and player wellbeing, likely to in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. gets plenty of time on the ball and the prime aim of further increase thriving participation levels into the each session is for children to build fundamental motor future. skills. Full sized football fields can be modified to accommodate up to 8 games and/or coaching sessions at the one time and is seen as an effective way to maximise use. Participants can progress from Mini-Roos ‘kick-off’ programs into club-based football under the Mini-Roos structure. Clubs provide coaching sessions and set up matches in a relaxed environment where the aim is to teach new skills in an enjoyable way. The smaller fields, modified rules and fewer players mean a more enjoyable game with more opportunities to touch the ball and more opportunities to score goals, once again increasing the likelihood of an overall positive experience.

40 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY NSW FOOTBALL PARTICIPATION PROGRAMS NSW FOOTBALL PARTICIPATION PROGRAMS

Walking Football It is low-impact, team-based exercise, utilising the defined 'Walking Football Rules and Formats' specifically non-contact with the players ‘always having one foot on the ground’. Matches are played with modified formats (5v5/6v6) on smaller pitches with shortened game times. Walking Football aims to provide participants physical and mental health benefits, social connectedness and promotion of the benefits of ongoing physical activity.

NSW FOOTBALL PARTICIPATION PROGRAMS Kick on for Women Is an introductory program to football designed specifically for women to fit into their busy lives whilst juggling their commitments of family, work and friends. The program provides 45-minute sessions and has a strong focus on fun, inclusion and friendship while learning basic football competencies in a relaxed, non-competitive setting.

WALKING FOOTBALL KICK ON FOR WOMEN COMMUNITY FC Community FC It is low-impact, team-based exercise, utilising Is an introductory program to football designed Community FC aims to provide an avenue for the defined ‘Walking Football Rules and Formats’ specifically for women to fit into their busy lives whilst integration, social cohesion and harmony using specifically non-contact with the players ‘always juggling their commitments of family, work and friends. football as a vehicle for social change and to ensure Community FC aims to provide an avenue for integration, social cohesion andhaving one foot on the ground’. Matches are played The program provides 45-minute sessions and has that those that are inactive due to their lack of access with modified formats (5v5/6v6) on smaller pitches a strong focus on fun, inclusion and friendship while to grassroots football are provided with the same harmony using football as a vehicle for social change and to ensure that thosewith shortened that game times. learning basic football competencies in a relaxed, non- opportunity as others. competitive setting. Walking Football aims to provide participants physical The Community FC program provides various program are inactive due to their lack of access to grassroots football are provided withand mental the health benefits, social connectedness and opportunities for the following key target age groups: promotion of the benefits of ongoing physical activity. same opportunity as others. “Future Champions” for male and female participants aged 12 to 18. The Community FC program provides various program opportunities for the following “Just Play” for adult participants aged 18 to 30. “Girls United” targeting disadvantaged groups aged key target age groups: 12 to 30. Programs involve weekly sessions focusing on • “Future Champions” for male and female participants aged 12 to 18. individual and team skill development as well as small sided game plan. • “Just Play” for adult participants aged 18 to 30. • “Girls United” targeting disadvantaged groups aged 12 to 30. Programs involve weekly sessions focusing on individual and team skill development as well as small sided game plan.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 41

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 38 CASE STUDY: MANAGING THRIVING JUNIOR PARTICIPATION

Northern Beaches Council has 119 football fields and provides football facilities for clubs operating in the Manly Warringhah Football Association. This equates to 5.2% of all fields in NSW, making Northern Beaches Council the largest local government provider of football facilities. Manly Warringhah Football Association has 18,534 registered participants within its Geographic Area.

With 1 in 14 people playing winter football in Northern Beaches Council, investment has been made in synthetic football facilities at Cromer Park, Melwood and Lionel Watts. Synthetic football fields are revolutionising the game with more matches scheduled, in all-weather conditions while producing consistent and quality football playing surfaces.

*Note: In this Strategy Geographic Area registered winter football participants have been counted using home address postcode. Registered winter football participants can choose to play for any football association of their choice and are not restricted to play in the Association competition where they live.

42 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY NSW FOOTBALL PARTICIPATION SUMMARY

WINTER REGISTERED PLAYERS 260,875 TOTAL REGISTERED PLAYERS NPL REGISTERED PLAYERS 272,970 12,095

COACHES REFEREES VOLUNTEERS 19,784 6,549 12,876

COMMUNITY CLUBS 849 TOTAL CLUBS 932 NPL CLUBS Source: 2019 NSW Football Registered Clubs, 83 Players, Coaches, Referees and Volunteers

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 43 CURRENT AND FUTURE NSW FOOTBALL PARTICIPATION

NSW FOOTBALL PARTICIPATION ANALYSIS - SPORTSEYE To complement the independent AusPlay data gathered via survey, SportsEye, a product of By 2023 football is projected to have in excess of 2 million ActiveXhange, has undertaken an extensive participation analysis of 2014 and 2019 winter participants, with estimated demand supporting growth registered football participants across NSW to better understand current participation to 2.25 million by 2036. trends and future participation outcomes. Registered football participant information considers participant age, gender, where they live and play football. The advantage of analysing actual membership data is that it provides real “feet on the ground” participation numbers, as opposed to gathering participation NSW PARTICIPATION LIMITATIONS population samples and then calculating football participation projections by formula. Social players, futsal, summer football and school participants have not been counted, as The 2014 and 2019 membership data gathered can be applied in many ways to provide these players are typically registered with an affiliated club with infrastructure planning for State, Regional NSW, Metro Sydney, Football Association, Football Zone and/or local these forms of football not specifically considered in this Strategy. government area participation summaries. SportsEye also has the capability to overlay State The residential location of a registered participant is the key geographic measure used. and Federal electorate districts. If a registered player lives within the geographical boundary of a specific Football Comparing actual membership data from 2014 and 2019 considering age group, gender Association or Zone, then that player has been analysed within that geographical and location has provided meaningful measures shown in the adjacent table with their in- area and may not necessarily be registered with their local Football Association. depth application showcased in each of the 26 Football Area Summaries. In summary, SportsEye assists informed decision making and provides in-depth analysis of customers, activity programs and facility infrastructure and its relative capacity, with measuring meaningful data as the cornerstone.

MEASURE DEFINITION Participation Counts Highlights growth and participation hot spots. Participation Rate Rate of ‘main winter season’ participants compared to the current population of an area. This compares population data to the member participation for a given area. Demand Rate The rate of calculated demand compared to the population of an area. This highlights areas that have high demand relative to the population in the area. Demand Conversion The rate of participants compared to calculated demand in an area. This shows areas that are performing well in regard to converting demand into registered participants and those that are not performing as well.

44 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY NSW PARTICIPATION HIGHLIGHTS

162,248 272,970 winter registered football participants are under 14, which equates to winter registered football 60% of total football participants.

participants in 2019, 84,188 winter registered football participants up from 245,845 in 2014 are in the 5 to 9 age category which is the fastest growing age demographic. which equates to a 63,160 11% increase in total female winter registered football participants which equates to participation. 23% of the total participants.

In the event participation rates continue to grow at 11% growth for the next 5 years, in excess of 300,000 registered winter members are anticipated.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 45 FOOTBALLFOOTBALL NSW METRO NSW ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION METRO PARTICIPATION PARTICPATION RATES RATE FOOTBALL NSW METRO ASSOCIATION PARTICIPATION RATES

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION METROPOLITAN WINTER SEASON REGISTERED MEMBERS AND OVERVIEW Football Association Metropolitan Winter Season Registered Members and Participation Overview PARTICIPATION RATE Rate In 2019, there were 195,341 registered football participants In 2019,with there 548 were community 195,341 and registered 72 NPL football affiliated football clubs participantslocated with in the548 Metropolitan community and Sydney 72 NPL area. affiliated football clubs located in the Metropolitan Sydney area. Sydney Metropolitan Associations All Metropolitan Sydney Football Associations experienced All Metropolitanparticipation Sydney growth Football between Associations 2014 and 2019. 20000 10.0% experienced participation growth between 2014 and Club participant numbers across Football NSW 2019. Club participant numbers across Football 18000 9.0% Metropolitan Associations have increased by an NSW Metropolitan Associations have increased by average of 13.2% from 172,544 in 2014 to 195,341 in 16000 8.0% an average of 13.2% from 172,544 in 2014 to 2019. 14000 7.0% 195,341 in 2019. In terms of 2019 football participation rates, the Sutherland 12000 6.0% In termsShire of 2019Football football Association participation (8.6% rates, theparticipation rate), 10000 5.0% SutherlandManly Shire Warringah Football Football Association Association (8.6% Football (6.6%), participationHills Football rate), Manly Association Warringah (5.3%) Football and North West Sydney 8000 4.0% AssociationFootball Football Association (6.6%), all Hills had Football participation Association rates of over 6000 3.0% (5.3%)5.0%. and North West Sydney Football Association all had participation rates of over 5.0%. 4000 2.0% 2000 1.0% Nine of the 16 Metropolitan Sydney Football AssociationsClub exceeded participant the NSW State numbers participation across 0 0.0% rate average of 3.7%. Football NSW Metropolitan The adjacentAssociations graph shows the have 2019 increasednumber of by an participants by Sydney Metropolitan Football Associationaverage and the corresponding of 13.2% participationfrom 172,544 rates in against state, metropolitan2014 to and 195,055 regional averages. in 2019

Club participant numbers across Nine of the 16 Metropolitan Sydney Football Associations Registrations Participation rate State Participation rate Footballexceeded NSW the NSWMetropolitan State participation rate average of Associations3.7%. have increased by an Regional Participation rate Metro Participation rate averageThe adjacent of 13.2% graph shows from the 172,544 2019 number in of participants 2014by toSydney 195,055 Metropolitan in 2019 Football Association and Note: DataNote: based Data onbased registered on registered players players living within living each within geographic each geographic association association boundary. boundary. the corresponding participation rates against state, metropolitan and regional averages. NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 42

46 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FOOTBALL NSWFOOTBALL ASSOCIATION NSW REGIONAL REGIONAL PARTICPATION BRANCH PARTICIPATION RATE RATES FOOTBALL NSW REGIONAL BRANCH PARTICIPATION RATES

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION REGIONAL WINTER SEASON REGISTERED MEMBERS AND OVERVIEW Football Association Regional Winter Season Registered Members and Participation Overview PARTICIPATION RATE In 2019, there were 24,266 registered football participants Rate In 2019,with there 151 were affiliated 24,266 football registered clubs football located in Football NSW participantsRegional with Areas: 151 affiliated football clubs located in Football NSW Regional Areas: Regional NSW Branches • Western: 75 clubs • Western:• Riverina: 75 clubs 31 clubs 12000 4.0% • Riverina• Southern:: 31 clubs 45 clubs 3.5% • Southern: 45 clubs 10000 3.0% Each of the three Football Branches have experienced 8000 Each of the three Football Branches have experienced 2.5% participation growth between 2014 and 2019, with participation growth between 2014 and 2019, with the 6000 2.0% the Western Branch providing the greatest number Westernof Branchregistered providing participants the greatest (10,492) number and of the highest 1.5% 4000 registeredparticipation participants rate (10,492) of 3.2%. and the highest 1.0% participation rate of 3.2%. 2000 Club participant numbers across Football NSW 0.5% Club participantBranches numbersand corresponding across Football Associations NSW have 0 0.0% Branchesincreased and corresponding by an average Associations of 8.7% from have9,843 to 10,697. Western Riverina Southern increased by an average of 8.7% from 9,843 to Participation hot spots are found in the regional population 10,697. Registrations Participation rate State Participation rate centres of Dubbo, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Albury and ParticipationGriffith, hot spots with strongare found participation in the regional also recorded across Regional Participation rate Metro Participation rate populationpopulation centres centres of Dubbo, along Bathurst, the southern Wagga coast Wagga, of NSW. AlburyThe and adjacent Griffith, withgraph strong shows participation the 2019 number also of participants Note: Data based on registered players living within each geographic regional branch boundary. recorded across population centres along the southern Note: Data based on registered players living within each geographic regional branch boundary. in Football NSW Regional Branches, and the corresponding coast ofparticipation NSW. rates against state, metropolitan and regional The adjacentaverages. graph shows the 2019 number of participants in Football NSW Regional Branches, and the corresponding participation rates against state, metropolitan and regional averages. Football participant growth Football participant growth is greatest in large regional population centres such as is greatest in large regional Wagga Wagga. population centres such as Wagga Wagga.

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 43

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 47 NORTHERNNORTHERN NSW ZONE NSW ZONEPARTICIPATION PARTICPATION RATES RATE NORTHERN NSW ZONE PARTICIPATION RATES

FOOTBALL ZONE WINTER SEASON REGISTERED MEMBERS AND PARTICIPATION RATE OVERVIEW Football Zone Winter Season Registered Members and Participation Rate Overview In 2019, there were 53,544 registered football participants In 2019,with there222 affiliated were 53,544 football registered clubs footballlocated in Northern NSW. 14000 6.0% participants with 222 affiliated football clubs located in NorthernAll Football NSW. Zones in Northern NSW have experienced participation growth between 2014 and 2019. Newcastle All FootballFootball Zones (4.9%) in andNorthern Macquarie NSW haveFootball experienced (5.1%) exceeded 12000 5.0% participationState, Metropolitan growth between and 2014 Regional and 2019. participation rate Newcastleaverages Football for the (4.9%) year. and Macquarie Football (5.1%) exceeded State, Metropolitan and Regional Club participant numbers across the Northern NSW 10000 participation rate averages for the year. Zones have increased by an average of 17% from 4.0% Club45,604 participant in 2014 numbers to 53,363 across in 2019.the Northern NSW Zones have increased by an average of 17% 8000 All of the 7 Northern NSW Zones experienced participant fromgrowth 45,604 over in 2014 the past to 53,363 5 years. in The2019 minimum. growth rate of 3.0% All of10% the was7 Northern recorded NSW by ZonesNorth Coastexperienced Football, with Football participantMid North growth Coast over and the Newcastlepast 5 years. Football The both recording 6000 minimum18% growth. growth rate of 10% was recorded by North Coast Football, with Football Mid North Coast and 2.0% Newcastle Football both recording 18% growth. 4000 The adjacentClub graph participant shows the 2019 numbers number of across participantsthe by Northern Northern NSW FootballNSW ZonesZone and have the 1.0% corresponding participation rates against state, 2000 metropolitanincreased and regional by averages. an average of 17% from 45,604 in 2014 to 53,544 in 2019. 0 0.0% Newcastle Hunter Valley Football Mid Macquarie Northern North Coast Football Far Club participant numbers across the Football Football North Coast Football Inland Football North Coast Football Northern NSW Zones have increasedThe adjacent bygraph an shows average the 2019 of 17%number of participants Registrations Participation rate State Participation rate by Northern NSW Football Zone and the corresponding fromparticipation 45,604 rates in 2014against to state, 53,544 metropolitan in and regional Regional Participation rate Metro Participation rate 2019.averages.

Note: Data based on registered players living within each geographic football zone boundary. Note: Data based on registered players living within each geographic football zone boundary.

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 44

48 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION WINTER FOOTBALL REGISTRATIONS

Based on Association 2019 registered winter football participants, the following football community competition providers are ranked in order of the greatest number of players registered with each association, zone or branch. A comparison to registered players residing within the association area is included.

REGISTERED WINTER PLAYERS – FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS, ZONES AND BRANCHES 2019

Association / Zone / Registered Registered Football Region Association / Zone / Registered Registered Football Region Branch Winter Players Winter Players Branch Winter Players Winter Players 2019 living in area 2019 living in area 1 Manly Warringah FA 18,559 18,534 FNSW Metro 14 St George FA 9,574 8,882 FNSW Metro 2 Sutherland Shire 18,503 18,866 FNSW Metro 15 Eastern Suburbs FA 8,813 9,555 FNSW Metro Football 16 Southern Districts FA 7,860 8,830 FNSW Metro 3 Northern Suburbs FA 16,863 16,797 FNSW Metro 17 Southern Branch 7,848 7,773 Regional Branch 4 Canterbury and District 15,816 15,826 FNSW Metro 18 Macquarie Football 7,635 9,689 Northern NSW FA 19 Football Far North 7,304 7,301 Northern NSW 5 Northwest Sydney FA 15,565 12,971 FNSW Metro Coast 6 Central Coast Football 14,446 14,635 FNSW Metro 20 Football Mid North 6,563 6,788 Northern NSW 7 Hills Football 12,106 10,029 FNSW Metro Coast 8 Football South Coast 11,989 11,823 FNSW Metro 21 Northern Inland 6,161 6,072 Northern NSW Football 9 Nepean FA 11,918 12,627 FNSW Metro 22 Bankstown District AFA 6,141 6,377 FNSW Metro 10 Newcastle Football 11,311 11,612 Northern NSW 23 Hunter Valley Football 6,017 7,053 Northern NSW 11 Blacktown & District 10,823 9,596 FNSW Metro SFA 24 Granville District SFA 6,007 7,968 FNSW Metro 12 Western Branch 10,697 7,370 Regional Branch 25 Riverina Branch 5,923 5,737 Regional Branch 13 Macarthur FA 10,198 10,738 FNSW Metro 26 North Coast Football 4,970 5,034 Northern NSW

*Note: In this Strategy Geographic Area registered winter football participants have been counted using home address postcode. Registered winter football participants can choose to play for any football association of their choice and are not restricted to play in the Association competition where they live. Typically Individual Football Associations/Zones may experience a winter football registration +/- variation of up to 5% when compared to geographic area registered participants. Reasons for this variation can include quality of competition, historical participant affiliations and closest venue to home.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 49 LOCAL GOVERNMENT WINTER FOOTBALL REGISTRATIONS

Based on the participation analysis completed, the following are the top 20 Local Government football hot spots that provide the highest number of residents participating in winter club football. Appendix 1 provides a summary of all Local Government 2019 registered participant numbers.

REGISTERED WINTER PLAYERS - TOP 20 LGAS 2019

Local Government Area Registered % Football Football Region Local Government Area Registered % Football Football Region Winter Players Participation Winter Players Participation 2019 rate by 2019 rate by population population 1 Sutherland Shire 18,864 8.6% FNSW Metro 11 Parramatta 7,075 3.1% FNSW Metro 2 Northern Beaches 17,488 6.9% FNSW Metro 12 Inner West 6,989 3.8% FNSW Metro 3 Central Coast 14,501 4.4% FNSW Metro 13 Penrith 6,929 3.5% FNSW Metro 4 Blacktown 10,779 3.2% FNSW Metro 14 Ku-ring-gai 6,489 5.5% FNSW Metro 5 Canterbury-Bankstown 10,343 3.0% FNSW Metro 15 Liverpool 5,635 2.8% FNSW Metro 6 Lake Macquarie 10,040 5.1% Northern NSW 16 Ryde 5,333 4.6% FNSW Metro 7 Wollongong 8,712 4.3% FNSW Metro 17 Georges River 5,291 3.6% FNSW Metro 8 Newcastle 8,694 5.6% Northern NSW 18 Bayside 4,719 3.0% FNSW Metro 9 The Hills Shire 8,680 5.5% FNSW Metro 19 Campbelltown 4,435 2.8% FNSW Metro 10 Hornsby 7,783 5.5% FNSW Metro 20 Cumberland 4,383 2.0% FNSW Metro

*Note: In this Strategy Geographic Area registered winter football participants have been counted using home address postcode. Registered winter football participants can choose to play for any football association of their choice and are not restricted to play in the Association competition where they live. Typically Individual Football Associations/Zones may experience a winter football registration +/- variation of up to 5% when compared to geographic area registered participants. Reasons for this variation can include quality of competition, historical participant affiliations and closest venue to home.

50 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FACILITIES AUDIT OVERVIEW FOOTBALL FACILITY PROVISION IN NSW

COMMUNITY FOOTBALL VENUES FOOTBALL PLAYING FIELDS * FLOODLIT PLAYING 938 2,253 FIELDS 1,574 FULL-SIZE SYNTHETIC FIELDS VENUES WITH PLAYER CHANGE ROOMS VENUES WITH REFEREE 58 720 CHANGE ROOMS 342

Data is provided via the NSW Football Facility Audit undertaken over 2018 and 2019 by Football NSW, Northern NSW Football and affiliated Football Association and Zone staff. A small number of venues (38 at the time of writing) identified as existing have not yet completed audits due to their remote nature and do not appear in the data presented within this report section. *118 NPL venues have also been audited against relevant NPL venue requirements. Where a venue is used for NPL activities only, these venues have been excluded from the community facility audit. Separate information and data on NPL venues is available via the NSW Facility & Advocacy Unit.

52 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOOTBALL FACILITY AUDITS

Audit Introduction FOOTBALL FACILITY AUDITS In a first for football in NSW, the development of the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy involved the SPORTS FACILITY AUDITOR (SFA) – auditing of all facilities across the state, including all on-field and off-field football infrastructure. This Football included playing fields, sportsAUDIT lighting, INTRODUCTION player change rooms, referee facilities, clubrooms, canteens, storage, car parking andIn other a first supporting for football infrastructure.in NSW, the development of the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy SPORTS FACILITY AUDITOR (SFA) – Football involved the auditing of all facilities across the state, including all on-field and off-field football The on-site audits were infrastructure.completed over This a included 12-month playing period fields, between sports April lighting, 2018 player and changeMay 2019. rooms, referee Football NSW, Northern facilities,NSW Football clubrooms, and canteens, Football storage, Association car parking and and Zone other staff supporting undertook infrastructure. the audits, with support provided byThe a casual on-site audits workforce. were completed To facilitate over a the 12-month audit periodprocess, between a customised April 2018 and web-based May 2019. audit program was developedFootball – NSW, Sports Northern Facility NSW Auditor Football (SFA-Football). and Football Association and Zone staff undertook the audits, with support provided by a casual workforce. To facilitate the audit process, a customised SFA-Football was designedweb-based to collect audit baseline program was data developed for the following– Sports Facility key Auditorareas: (SFA-Football). SFA-Football was designed to collect baseline data for the following key areas: • Current facility provision, dimensions, condition and amenity type. • Current facility provision, dimensions, condition and amenity type. • Auditor commentary •and Auditor photo commentary records. and photo records. • Location of venues and individual pitches using GPS coordinates. • Location of venues and individual pitches using GPS coordinates. • Identification of potential future projects and development opportunities for each venue. • Identification of potential• Pitch future utilisation projects (estimated and developmenthours and time of opportunities use) and maintenance for each responsibilities. venue. • Pitch utilisation (estimatedThe audit hours program and is time based of on use) a range and of maintenance best practice preferred responsibilities. facility guidelines developed by Football NSW and relevant Australian Standards (e.g. playing field lighting levels). The audit program is based on a range of best practice preferred facility guidelines developed by Football NSW and relevantAUDIT Australian METHODOLOGY Standards (e.g. playing field lighting levels). The analysis of onsite audit information has focused on the four most critical areas of football infrastructure and the relevant capacity and impact of being able to facilitate community Audit Methodologyfootball activities: The analysis of onsite audit1. Playing information field surfaces has focused (type, condition, on the foursize, mostdrainage critical and irrigation) areas of football infrastructure and the relevant2. Playing capacity field lighting and impact (type and of level)being able to facilitate community football activities: 3. Change room amenity (for players, match officials and all gender use) 4. Clubrooms (size and overall condition). 1. Playing field surfaces (type, condition, size, drainage and irrigation) 2. Playing field lighting (type and level) 3. Change room amenity (for players, match officials and all gender use)

4. Clubrooms (size and overall condition).

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 53 NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 49 INTRODUCTION AUDITAUDIT FINDINGS FINDINGS – PLAYING – PLAYING FIELDS FIELDS

Playing field surface type PLAYING FIELD SURFACE TYPE Playing field surfaces generally provide a mix of surfaces, including cool season grasses, warm season grasses, a Playing fieldmix of surfacesgrasses andgenerally synthetic provide surfaces. a mix of surfaces, including cool season grasses, warm season grasses, a mix of grasses and synthetic surfaces. The following provides an overall number of the different playing field surface types provided across all community The followingfootball provides facilities. an Overall overall thenumber mix of of surface the different types wereplaying consistent field surface across types NSW, provided with the exceptionacross all communityof summer football facilities.grasses Overall which the mix were of surfacemore prevalent types were across consistent Football across NSW Associations.NSW, with the exception of summer grasses which were more prevalent across Football NSW Associations. Synthetic surfaces are predominately located in the Metropolitan Sydney area, with only two full-size synthetic Syntheticplaying surfaces fields are providedpredominately in Lake located Macquarie in the in Metropolitan the north. Sydney area, with only two full-size synthetic playing fields provided in Lake Macquarie in the north.

Number of Percentage of Number of PLAYING FIELDS Playing field size Surface type Percentage of PLAYING FIELDS Surface type playingplaying fields provision provision Playing size has been categorised into two key sizes: Summer grasses fields870 38.6% 1. Full-size, capable of hosting 11 v 11 senior Winter grassesSummer grasses 349870 38.6%15.5% competition. 2. Other size, catering for modified and/or junior Mix of grassesWinter grasses 349867 15.5%38.5% PLAYING FIELD SIZE football and other training or program activities. Hybrid turf 10 0.4% Playing size has been categorised into two key sizes: Mix of grasses 867 38.5% Synthetic grass 49* 2.2% 1. Full-size, capable of hosting 11 v 11 senior competition. Hybrid turf 10 0.4% Across NSW there are 1,582 full-size football playing Surface unknown 103 4.6% 2.fields Other (73%) sizeand, 593catering other sizedfor modifiedfields (27%). and/or 78 junior Synthetic grass 49* 2.2% pitchesfootball have and no playingother training field size or programidentified. activities. TOTAL PLAYING FIELDS 2,253 100% Surface types are mixed across both full-size and Surface 103 4.6% unknown Acrossother sized NSW pitches, there are with 1,582 the syntheticfull-size football surface playing pitches fields * A further 9 synthetic playing fields are used for NPL only activities and (73%)generally and being 593 other full-sized sized for fields maximum (27%). capacity. 78 pitches have no are not includedTotal inplaying the above count. playing field size identified. 2,253 100% Summer grasses Winter grasses It should also be noted that many full-sized pitches are fields also used for multiple football activities and can be Mix of grasses Hybrid turf Surface types are mixed across both full-size and other sizedconfigured pitches, a number with the of syntheticdifferent wayssurface to caterpitches for generally Synthetic grass Surface unknown * A further 9 synthetic playing fields are used for NPL only beingmany differentfull-sized programs. for maximum capacity. activities and are not included in the above count. It should also be noted that many full-sized pitches are also used for multiple football activities and can be configured a number of different ways to cater for many different NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 programs. Page 50

54 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY AUDIT FINDINGS – PLAYING FIELDS INTRODUCTION PLAYINGAUDIT FIELD SURFACE FINDINGS CONDITION – PLAYING FIELDS Playing field surfaces were rated as part of the facility audit process. Playing field conditions were rated at various timesPlaying of the year field where surface conditions condition may have been impacted by both dry and wet climatic conditions. The following dataPlaying provides field surfaces ‘a guide’ were to ratedthe general as part ofoverall the facility observed conditionaudit process. of playing Playing fields field conditions across NSW were and rated is at used to identifyvarious geographical times of the areas year whereof concern. conditions may have been impacted by both dry and wet climatic conditions. Playing field surfaces were rated using the following scale: The following data provides ‘a guide’ to the general overall observed condition of playing fields across ConditionNSW and is used to identify geographical areas of Definition ratingconcern. ExcellentPlayingAs field new surfaces were rated using the following scale: Good Some wear observed across playing surface Condition NumberNumber of of PercentagePercentage of of PLAYING FIELDS Definition SurfaceSurface condition condition PLAYING FIELDS Moderate ratingConsiderable wear across playing playingplaying fields fields provisionprovision surface but still playable Excellent As new ExcellentExcellent 149149 7%7% Poor Multiple quality and playability issues Goodobserved, Some safe play wear may observed be impacted across playing GoodGood 772772 34%34% surface Very poor Playing area requires immediate ModerateModerate 919919 41%41% Moderaterejuvenation Considerable or replacement wear across playing surface but still playable PoorPoor quality quality 279279 12%12% Very poor 64 3% Poor Multiple quality and playability issues Very poor 64 3% Not surprising, synthetic surfaces rated the highest in observed, safe play may be Condition not assessed 70 3% terms of surface quality overall. Playing surfaces that were Condition not impacted 70 3% uneven in nature provided the greatest challenges to game TOTALassessed PLAYING FIELDS 2,253 100% quality and Veryplayer poor safety. Playing area requires immediate rejuvenation or replacement Total playing fields 2,253 100%

Excellent Good condition Not surprising, synthetic surfaces rated the highest in terms of surface quality overall. Playing surfaces that Moderate Poor quality were uneven in nature provided the greatest Synthetic grass Surface unknown challenges to game quality and player safety.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 55 NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 51 INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION AUDITAUDIT FINDINGS FINDINGS – – PLAYING PLAYING FIELDS FIELDS INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION AUDITAUDITAUDIT FINDINGS FINDINGS FINDINGS – – PLAYING –PLAYING PLAYING FIELDS FIELDS FIELDS DrainageDrainage and andDRAINAGE irrigation irrigation AND IRRIGATION FieldsFields have have no no irrigation irrigation FullFull size size fields fields without without TheThe quality quality of ofplaying playingThe quality fields fields of can playing can be be impactedfields impacted can bybe impactedby a rangea range byof ofa differentrange different of differentfactors, factors, factors,including including including age, age, infrastructureinfrastructure drainagedrainage age, original construction methods, usage levels, maintenance regimes, climatic originalDrainageoriginalDrainage construction construction and and irrigation irrigationmethods, methods, usage usage levels, levels, maintenance maintenance regimes, regimes, climatic climatic conditions, conditions, FieldsFieldsFIELDS have have no HAVE no irrigation irrigation FULLFullFull SIZEsize size fieldsFIELDS fields without WITHOUT without conditions, drainage function and availability of irrigation. NO IRRIGATION DRAINAGE drainageThedrainageThe quality quality function functionof of playing playing and and fieldsavailability fieldsavailability can can be of be ofimpactedirrigation. impactedirrigation. by by a arange range of of different different factors, factors, including including age, age, infrastructureinfrastructure drainagedrainage The presence of drainage and irrigation infrastructure was identified through the INFRASTRUCTURE TheoriginalTheoriginal presence presence construction construction of offacilitydrainage drainage methods, methods,audit and as and it irrigationusage is usageirrigationconsidered levels, levels,infrastructure infrastructure to maintenance have maintenance a significant was was regimes,identified regimes, identifiedimpact climatic onthrough climatic thethrough continued conditions, the conditions, the facility facilitycapacity audit audit asdrainageasdrainage it isit isconsidered consideredfunction functionof and toplaying and tohave availability have availability fieldsa significanta significant and of of isirrigation. irrigation.required impact impact toon onenable the the continued effectivecontinued capacityground capacity maintenance. of ofplaying playing fields Without fields and and is isrequired required to toenable enablethis infrastructureeffective effective ground groundin place, maintenance. maintenance. playing fields Without areWithout significantly this this infrastructure infrastructure restricted in in terms inplace, place, of the TheThe presence presence of of capacitydrainage drainage to andaccommodate and irrigation irrigation use.infrastructure infrastructure was was identified identified through through the the facility facility audit audit playingasplayingas it isit is consideredfields considered fields are are significantly to significantly to have have a asignificant restricted significant restricted impactin impact interms terms on ofon the ofthe the the continued capacity continued capacity tocapacity tocapacityaccommodate accommodate of of playing playing use. use.fields fields and and 25%25% 42%42% Across all playing fields it was identified that: Acrossis Acrossisrequired required all all toplaying to playingenable enable fields effective fields effective it itwas groundwas ground identified identified maintenance. maintenance. that: that: Without Without this this infrastructure infrastructure in inplace, place, playingplaying fields fields are are• significantly 51% significantly of all natural restricted restricted grass playing in interms terms fields of of didthe the notcapacity capacity have functional to to accommodate accommodate drainage use.. use. 25%25%25% 42%42%42% • • 51%51% of ofall all natural natural• 38% grass ofgrass full-size playing playing natural fields fields grass did did playing not not have fieldshave functional havefunctional functional drainage drainage drainage. . , however AcrossAcross all all playing playing44% fields fields have it noitwas wasidentified identified identified drainage that: that: infrastructure . • • 38%38% of offull-size full-size natural natural grass grass playing playing fields fields have have functional functional drainage drainage, however, however 44% 44% have have • • no51%no51% identified identifiedof of all all natural natural •drainage 60%drainage grass ofgrass other infrastructureplaying infrastructureplaying sized playingfields fields did fields. did. not didnot have not have have functional functional functional drainage drainage. infrastructure. in place. • • 38%38% of of full-size full-size natural natural grass grass playing playing fields fields have have functional functional drainage drainage, however, however 44% 44% have have • • 60%60% of ofother other sized• 25%sized playingof playing all natural fields fields grass did did playing not not have fieldshave functional have functional no irrigation drainage drainage infrastructure infrastructure infrastructure. in in place.noplace.no identified identified drainage drainage infrastructure infrastructure. . • 47% of natural grass playing fields have automated irrigation systems in place. OtherOther (non-full (non-full size) size) • • 60%60% of of other other sized sized playing playing fields fields did did not not have have functional functional drainage drainage infrastructure infrastructure in in FieldsFields without without • • 25%25% of ofall all natural naturalLevels grass of grass drainage playing playing and fields irrigationfields have have provision no no irrigation irrigation were varied infrastructure infrastructure across all areas. . of NSW and OTHERsizedsized (NON-FULL fields fields without without SIZE) FIELDS WITHOUT place.place. are often specific to local government areas as to what level it is provided. In general SIZED FIELDS WITHOUT FUNCTIONALfunctionalfunctional drainage DRAINAGEdrainage • • 47%47% of ofnatural natural grass grass playing playing fields fields have have automated automated irrigation irrigation systems systems in inplace. place. OtherOtherdrainage (non-fulldrainage (non-full size) size) terms, playing fields in regional areas of NSW provide lower levels of drainage and FieldsFields without without • • 25%25% of of all all natural natural grass grass playing playing fields fields have have no no irrigation irrigation infrastructure infrastructure. . sizedsizedDRAINAGE fields fields without without irrigation infrastructure. functionalfunctional drainage drainage LevelsLevels of ofdrainage drainage and and irrigation irrigation provision provision were were varied varied across across all all areas areas of ofNSW NSW and and are are often often • • 47%47% of of natural naturalThe grass grassdirect playing correlationplaying fields fields between have have automatedthe automated provision irrigationof irrigation functional systems drainagesystems in and inplace. place. irrigation drainagedrainage specificspecific to tolocal local governmentinfrastructure government areasand areas playing as as to field towhat what surface level level itquality isit isprovided. provided.is evidenced In Ingeneral by:general terms, terms, playing playing fieldsfields in inregional regional areas areas of ofNSW NSW provide provide lower lower levels levels of ofdrainage drainage and and irrigation irrigation infrastructure. infrastructure. LevelsLevels of of drainage drainage• 72% and and irrigation of irrigationvery poor provision provision playing were werefields varied varied have across noacross drainage all all areas areas or ofautomated of NSW NSW and irrigationand are are often often ThespecificThespecific direct direct to tocorrelationlocal correlationlocal government governmentinfrastructure between between areas areas–the this the provisionas figure provisionas to to what is what 56%of level offunctional levelfor functional poorly it isit isprovided. ratedprovided.drainage drainage playing In and In generalfields.and general irrigation irrigation terms, terms, infrastructure infrastructure playing playing andfieldsandfields playing inplaying inregional regional field field •surfaceareas Thesurfaceareas same of qualityof NSW quality assessmentNSW provideis provide isevidenced evidenced for lower good lower by:tolevels by: levelsexcellent of of drainage drainageplaying fieldsand and irrigation identified irrigation infrastructure. thatinfrastructure. less than 54%54%54% 51%51%51% TheThe direct direct correlation correlation30% between had between no drainage the the provision provision or automated of of functional functional irrigation drainage systems drainage in and place. and irrigation irrigation infrastructure infrastructure • • 72%72% of ofvery very poor poor playing playing fields fields have have no no drainage drainage or or automated automated irrigation irrigation infrastructure infrastructure – – andandthis playingthis playing figure figure field isfield is56% surface 56% surface for for poorly quality poorly quality ratedis rated isevidenced evidenced playing playing fields.by: by:fields. 54%54% 51%51% • • The72%The72% same of same of very very assessment assessmentpoor poor playing playing for for fieldsgood fieldsgood haveto have toexcellent excellent no no drainage drainage playing playing or or automatedfields automatedfields identified identified irrigation irrigation that that lessinfrastructure lessinfrastructure than than 30% 30% – – hadthishadthis figureno figureno drainage drainage is is56% 56% or for or automatedfor poorlyautomated poorly rated ratedirrigation irrigation playing playing systems systemsfields. fields. in inplace. place. • • TheThe same same assessment assessment for for good good to to excellent excellent playing playing fields fields identified identified that that less less than than 30% 30% hadhad no no drainage drainage56 or or automated automated irrigation irrigation systems systems in inplace. place. NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

NSWNSW Football Football Infrastructure Infrastructure Strategy Strategy – Final– Final June June 2020 2020 PagePage 52 52

NSWNSW Football Football Infrastructure Infrastructure Strategy Strategy – –Final Final June June 2020 2020 PagePage 52 52 AUDIT FINDINGS – PLAYING FIELDS

PLAYING FIELD CAPACITY Playing field data analysed through this Strategy has irrigation, change in surface type and/or the upgrading State-wide, the capacity assessment assisted to create a model for assessing the Full-Size of lighting to expand the hours of use, this could have a of 2253 playing fields identified a Equivalent (FSE) pitch capacity of playing fields, using the significant impact on the entire NSW playing field network. collective full-size pitch equivalent data held within SFA-Football. Routine sport field maintenance practices such as capacity of 1,494 full-size playing While this method does not take into account all the factors aeration, weed and feed combined with responsible use fields. Based on all the above factors it that may impact capacity (including weather conditions, (as opposed to overuse) can reduce times and increase maintenance regimes and fixturing), the following capacity. could be assumed that around 34% of elements of a playing field have been analysed to create a playing field capacity is being lost due consistent capacity model across all playing fields. Increased capacity would also assist in supporting the future planning of new venues in terms of identifying what to existing conditions. • Playing field size is required through new facilities to cater for the demands • Usage type (modified to senior competition) of football. • Lighting levels • Drainage functionality • Irrigation provision • Surface type (natural grass or synthetic) • Surface condition. The model created allows all playing fields to be scored based on the features above, with a maximum score of 1.0 FSE pitch attributed to the most functional playing areas. Full-size, floodlit synthetic playing pitches have the ability to score a maximum of 2.2 based on their additional utilisation capabilities. While the need to plan and develop new football venues in growing population areas is required in the longer term, increasing the capacity of existing playing fields via improving their associated quality is an efficient, sustainable and cost effective method. Increasing capacity supports maximizing playing field use, improving and renewing existing infrastructure and partnering with councils to better manage venue and club requirements. If existing playing field capacity can be enhanced through the improvement of drainage, provision of automated

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 57 AUDIT FINDINGS – PLAYING FIELD LIGHTING

WHY SPORTS LIGHTING IS ESSENTIAL While securing funding is a key trigger to confirm a sport lighting project, effective working partnerships with local Where absent, provision of playing field lighting is a government are essential as most sports fields are owned proven method of increasing participation capacity. Sports by LGA’s. lighting allows players of all ages and abilities to train safely at night and can provide the opportunity to play Environmental sustainability, light spill management competition football providing flexibility in scheduling. considering local residents, planning approval, lighting design, the underwriter of the project and appointment of Installation of sports lighting is often the easiest method of increasing football capacity as: a project manager to deliver the works are all project steps best confirmed before works commence. • Budgets to construct new sports lighting are significantly smaller than those to construct a new field. Sports Lighting Checklists and further detailed lighting information is contained within the Footballs Facility • Typically there is no playing field down time as works are Guides - Football Lighting. conducted off field (compared to drainage and irrigation renewal works) thus club relocations are not required. SPORT LIGHTING AUDIT FINDINGS • At the conclusion of lighting works, field carrying capacity can increase to maximum participation levels Auditors reported on the presence or otherwise of playing immediately. field lighting on each football pitch. Where sports lighting was present, evidence of the lighting lux levels, number of Uniformity of sports lighting assists in discouraging high lighting poles and fixtures were provided, as was the type participation use in “well lit areas” and spreads training of lighting (e.g. LED or metal halide). loads evenly, better managing field wear and required maintenance. Sport lighting is proven to improve social Across all playing fields it was identified that: connection compared to unlit venues. Members stay • 28% or (641) of all playing fields in NSW do not have longer at clubs with sports lighting which in turn helps drive localised club economies. sports lighting. • 46% or (1024) of all playing fields inNSW do not have INGREDIENTS OF A GOOD FOOTBALL sports lighting or have lighting below 50 lux which is LIGHTING PROJECT the minimum Australian Standard for training. A uniform lighting level of 50 lux is required to be able to • Only 21% of all playing fields in NSW have 100 lux undertake training, with 100 lux required for community (or greater) lighting that is considered suitable for standard competition football to be played. community competition football. Present day, $100,000 for a base lighting installation would be the minimum funding required with some projects Note: Auditors were reliant on the provision of sports lighting nearing $250,000 to deliver a four pole community football deign advice. At 263 sites the auditor was unable to confirm light lighting installation for one field to Australian Standards. lux levels.

58 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION AUDITAUDIT FINDINGSFINDINGS –– CHANGECHANGE ROOMROOM AMENITYAMENITY

BarriersBarriers toto femalefemale participationparticipation inin sportsport GenderGender neutralneutralAUDIT changeroomchangeroom FINDINGS amenitiesamenities – CHANGEGenderGender neutralneutral ROOM changeroomchangeroom AMENITY amenityamenity Traditionally,Traditionally, sportingsporting facilitiesfacilities werewere constructedconstructed toto TheThe NSWNSW footballfootball facilityfacility auditaudit reportedreported onon playerplayer andand findingsfindings meetmeet thethe needsneeds ofof malemale participants.participants. PresentPresent day,day, matchmatch officials/refereesofficials/referees changeroomchangeroom number,number, conditioncondition •• 23%23% ofof allall footballfootball venuesvenues inin NSWNSW dodo notnot provideprovide bestbestBARRIERS practicepractice sportTOsport FEMALE facilitiesfacilities shouldshould PARTICIPATION provideprovide aa rangerange IN ofof andGENDERand gendergender NEUTRAL neutralneutral compliance.compliance. CHANGEROOM GENDERplayerplayer change changeNEUTRAL roomroom CHANGEROOM facilities.facilities. amenitiesamenities thatthat attractattract andand sustainsustain accessaccess forfor all.all. SPORT ChangeAMENITIESChange roomroom provisionprovision trendstrends areare veryvery muchmuch basedbased AMENITY•• 53%53% ofof allall FINDINGS playerplayer changechange roomroom facilitiesfacilities areare ratedrated IncreasingIncreasingTraditionally, femalefemale sporting participationparticipation facilities were inin safesafe constructed andand welcomingwelcoming to meet onTheon historicalhistorical NSW football malemale sportsportfacility requirementsrequirements audit reported andand on eacheach player and • 23%inin the theof moderate,allmoderate, football poorpoorvenues andand in veryveryNSW poor poordo not categories.categories. provide environmentsenvironmentsthe needs of male isis aa participants.strategicstrategic prioritypriority Present ofof the theday, NSWNSW best StateStatepractice existingmatchexisting officials/referees CouncilCouncil capitalcapital provisionprovision changeroom policypolicy number, inin place,place, condition whichwhich player change room facilities. •• 81%81% ofof allall playerplayer changechange roomsrooms inin NSWNSW Government,Government,sport facilities Football Footballshould provideNSW,NSW, NNSWNNSW a range FootballFootball of amenities andand locallocal that isandis inconsistentinconsistent gender neutral inin acrossacross compliance. municipalities.municipalities. areare notnot governmentgovernmentattract and sustain authorities.authorities. access forTheThe all. supportsupport ofof allall isis • 53%gendergender of all neutral.playerneutral. change ThisThis roomequatesequates facilities toto onlyonly are 11 rated inin 55 in the ForChangeFor exampleexample room NewcastleNewcastle provision trendsCityCity CouncilCouncil are very providesprovides much based changechange on welcomedwelcomed asas itit isis acknowledged,acknowledged, therethere isis plentyplenty ofof moderate,changechange roomsrooms poor andbeingbeing very gendergender poor neutralneutral categories compliant.compliant.. Increasing female participation in safe and welcoming roomshistoricalrooms atat allallmale 3333 venues,venues,sport requirements whereaswhereas NorthernNorthern and each BeachesBeaches existing workwork toto bebe undertakenundertaken toto improveimprove thethe accessibilityaccessibility ofof environments is a strategic priority of the NSW State CouncilCouncil currentlycurrentlycapital provision providesprovides changechangepolicy roomsroomsin place, atat 13 13which ofof 3636 is ••• 81%64%64% of ofallof venuesplayervenues change dodo notnot rooms provideprovide in NSW aa changechange are not roomroom gender changeroomchangeroomGovernment, amenity.amenity.Football NSW, NNSW Football and local inconsistent in across municipalities. neutral. This equates to only 1 in 5 change rooms being venues.venues. forfor matchmatch officials/refereesofficials/referees government authorities. The support of all is welcomed as it gender neutral compliant. For example Newcastle City Council provides change is acknowledged, there is plenty of work to be undertaken •• 82%82% ofof allall matchmatch officialofficial changechange roomroom facilitiesfacilities areare rooms at all 33 venues, whereas Northern Beaches Council to improve the accessibility of changeroom amenity. • 64%notnot of gendergender venues neutralneutral do not compliantcompliant provide a forfor change matchmatch room for currently provides change rooms at 13 of 36 venues. matchofficials/referees.officials/referees. officials/referees. • 82% of all match official change room facilities are not gender neutral compliant for match officials/ GenderGenderreferees .neutralneutral changechange roomroom facilitiesfacilities TypicalTypical featuresfeatures ofof aa welcomingwelcoming gendergender neutralneutral changechange GENDERroomroom andand associatedassociated NEUTRAL amenityamenity CHANGE include:include: ROOM FACILITIES •• PrivatePrivate lockablelockable showershower cubicles.cubicles. Typical features of a welcoming gender neutral change room•• EachEach and showerassociatedshower hashas amenity aa changechange include: spacespace withwith aa roberobe hook,hook, seatseat andand shelfshelf toto placeplace aa bag.bag. • Private lockable shower cubicles. ••• EachToiletsToilets shower withwith has fullfull a heightheight change petitionedpetitioned space with panspans a robe andand hook, nono seat andurinals.urinals. shelf to place a bag. • Toilets with full height petitioned pans and no urinals. •• BabyBaby changechange facilities.facilities. • Baby change facilities. •• WashWash basinsbasins withwith vanityvanity shelfshelf space,space, mirrorsmirrors andand • Wash basins with vanity shelf space, mirrors and electricalelectricalelectrical outlets. outlets.outlets.

PhotoPhoto 11 –– NonNon compliantcompliant openopen showersshowers PhotoPhoto 22 -- AllAll gendergender ccompliantompliant cubiclecubicle showersshowers Photo 1 – Non compliant open showers Photo 2 - All gender compliant cubicle showers NSWNSW FootballFootball InfrastructureInfrastructure StrategyStrategy –– FinalFinal JuneJune 20202020 PagePage 5555

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 59 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION AUDIT FINDINGS – CLUBROOMS AND SOCIAL SPACES

AUDIT FINDINGSINTRODUCTION – CLUBROOMS AND SOCIAL SPACES AUDIT FINDINGS – CLUBROOMS AND SOCIAL SPACES

Source: Budgewoi Soccer Club Source: Budgewoi Soccer Club The value of social spaces Clubroom findings Social Space Features The value of social spaces Clubroom findings Social Space Features The community sporting club environment is designed • Of the 938 football venues,Source: Source:717 do Budgewoi not have Soccer Soccer Club Club A good social space is easily accessible, with natural toThe build community a stronger, sporting healthier, club happierenvironment and safer is designed • socialOf the 938spaces football which venues, equates 717 to do 76%. not have light,A good ideally social has space site islines easily to the accessible, playing fields with naturaland are The value of social spaces communities,to build a stronger, onClubroom the healthier, playing findings field,happier and and in the safer social socialSocial spaces Space which Features equates to 76%. inviting,light, ideally well haslit at site night lines safe to places. the playing Quality fields social and are • Of the 221 venues with social spaces, 44% were spaces,communities, are often on the where playing strong field, social and bondsin the socialare 54% of spacesinviting, organicallywell lit at night become safe theplaces. meeting Quality point social for all THE VALUEThe community OF SOCIAL sporting SPACES club environment is designed CLUBROOM• Of the 938 FINDINGS football venues, 717 do not have • ratedOf OftheA good thein 221 thevenues social venues moderate, spacethat with provide is easily socialpoor a clubroomaccessible, andspaces, very building, 44%with poor natural were to build a stronger, healthier, happier and saferformed.spaces, are often wheresocial spacesstrong whichsocial equates bonds toare 76%. themlight, ideallyeither hasdo not site provide lines to the a social playing / functionfields and room are or clubspaces activities organically outside become the playing the meeting arena. point for all The community sporting club environment is designed to • Of the 938 football venues, 717 do not have social categories.rated in the moderate, poor and very poor communities, on the playing field, and in theformed. social theinviting, space well provided lit at night is lesssafe thanplaces. 100m2 Quality in size.social club activities outside the playing arena. build a stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities,It is evident thatspaces• socialOf which the spaces: 221 equates venues to with76%. social spaces, 44% were categories. A space of 100m2 fits 80 to 100 people seated on the playingspaces, field, are often and where in the strong social social spaces, bonds are areoften spaces organically become the meeting point for all It is evident• that Of thesocialrated 221 spaces:venues in the moderate,with social poorspaces, and 44% very were poor rated pendingA space ofthe 100m2 table configuration fits 80 to 100 and people capacity seated can be where strongformed. social bonds are formed. • bring people together, providing opportunities for club activities outside the playing arena. in thecategories. moderate, poor and very poor categories. increasedpending the by table a further configuration 80% when and visitors capacity are canstanding be It is evident that social spaces: • socialbring peopleinteraction together, and networking providing opportunities for A space of 100m2 fits 80 to 100 people seated It is evident that social spaces: only.increased The requiredby a further size 80% of social when areas visitors varies are standingbetween social interaction and networking VenuespendingVENUES without the table WITHOUT configuration and capacity can be • bring people together, providing opportunities for SOCIAL SPACE FEATURES only. The required size of social areas varies between • bring people together, providing opportunities• forcan improve mental health increasedSOCIAL by a SPACESfurther 80% when visitors76%76% are standing local government areas with the membership size of social interaction and networking socialVenues spaces without social interaction and networking • can improveA good mental social health space is easily accessible, with natural only. The required size of social areas76% varies between thelocal community government football areas club with to the be membership considered. size of • provide a vehicleVenues for inclusion, without drawing people social spaces • can improve• can mental improve health mental health light, ideally has site lines to the playing fields76% and are local government areas with the membership size of the community football club to be considered. • provide a vehicle for inclusion, drawing people togetherinviting, of differentsocial well litraces, atspaces night religions safe places. and Qualitycultures social spaces the community football club to be considered. Of the venues that provide a clubroom building, 54% • provide• a vehicleprovide fora vehicle inclusion, for drawinginclusion, people drawing together peopletogether organically of different become races, the religions meeting and point cultures for all club activities ofOf themthe venues either that do notprovide provide a clubroom a social building, / function 54% • provides a sense of where everyone belongs. of differenttogether races, religionsof different and races, cultures religions and cultures outside the playing arena. Of the venues that provide a clubroom building, 54% roomof them or eitherthe space do not provided provide is a less social than / function 100m2 in • provides a sense of where everyone belongs. Socialof them spaces either do rated not provide a social / function • provides• aprovides sense of awhere sense everyone of where belongs.everyone belongs. size.room or the space provided is less than 100m2 in While difficultA spaceto measure, of 100m2 easing fits 80 pressure to 100 people on the seated pending SocialroomSOCIAL spacesor the space SPACES rated provided is less than 100m2 in While difficult to measure,Social spaces easing pressure rated on the moderate to very size. While difficultWhile difficult to measure, to measure, easing easing pressure pressure on the onhealth healththe system,the tablefostering configuration community and pridecapacity and can be increased by a size.RATED MODERATE 44% further 80% when visitors are standing only. The required moderate to very 44%44% system, healthfostering system, community fostering communitypride and pride promoting andpromotinghealth system, volunteering fosteringmoderate opportunities community to very pride are alland benefits 44% poor TO VERY POOR size of social areas varies between local government areas volunteeringpromoting opportunities volunteering are opportunitiesall benefits realizedare all realizedpromotingbenefits from from volunteering thrivingpoor clubs opportunities and social are spaces. all benefits poor with the membership size of the community football club thriving clubsrealized and from social thriving spaces. clubs and social spaces.realized from thriving clubs and social spaces. to be considered.

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 56 NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 56 NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 56 60 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FACILITY AUDIT FINDINGS SUMMARY

AUDIT SUMMARY KEY FINDINGS SUMMARY The below tables provide a summary of: • In excess of 1,100 football fields in NSW are rated as • 4 out of 5 change rooms do not meet all gender being in moderate to poor condition. requirements. • The numbers of venues audited. • 1 in 2 football fields do not meet the minimum 50 lux • Half of all football fields audited do not have functional • The numbers of key on-field and off-field infrastructure training standards for playing field lighting. drainage. found. • 3 out of 4 football venues do not have a social space. • 1 in 4 natural grass playing fields do not have any • The number of facilities in each Football Area. irrigation infrastructure in place.

# Facility Statistics Football NSW Metro # Facility Statistics Football NSW Branches # Facility Statistics NNSW Football 576 Venues 150 Venues 212 Venues 1321 Playing Fields 375 Playing Fields 557 Playing Fields 423 Player Changerooms 120 Player Changerooms 177 Player Changerooms 77 Gender Neutral Player Changerooms 28 Gender Neutral Player Changerooms 37 Gender Neutral Player Changerooms 162 Match Officials Changerooms 60 Match Officials Changerooms 121 Match Official Changerooms 15 Gender Neutral Match Official Changerooms 25 Gender Neutral Match Official Changerooms 26 Gender Neutral Match Official Changerooms 555 Football Field Lighting with no or less than 50 lux 235 Football Field Lighting with no or less than 50 lux 265 Football Field Lighting with no or less than 50 lux 452 Football Fields with Functional Drainage 238 Football Fields with Functional Drainage 122 Football Fields with Functional Drainage 605 Football Fields with Automated Irrigation 278 Football Fields with Automated Irrigation 133 Football Fields with Automated Irrigation 148 Community Pavilion Social Spaces 32 Community Pavilion Social Spaces 41 Community Pavilion Social Spaces

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 61 CONSULTATION FINDINGS KEY STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS AND ZONES • Competition management. LOCAL GOVERNMENT • Regulatory oversite of member clubs. There are 38 affiliated Football NSW Associations and There are 129 NSW Local Government Authorities (LGAs) Northern NSW Football Zones that represented 849 • Operating Association or Zone representative teams. who own and manage 98% of the total 993 community community and 83 NPL clubs in 2019. • Academy and skill acquisition programs. football venues across the state. Arguably local government • Coaching and referee education and accreditation. is collectively football’s biggest sponsor and a significant Each of these organisations have a goal to grow, develop, stakeholder in the provision, management and investment promote and service football while encouraging equity for • Futsal, mini-roos and other participation programs and into community football facilities. all. Typically, each Association and Zone implement local formats. initiatives, in addition to programs that have been adopted Depending on the strategic direction of each organisation, As land owners, LGAs perform the following functions for by Football NSW and Northern NSW Football. some Associations and Zones also manage the scheduling football venues: of venues and playing fields within their geographical The range of activities and programs delivered include: • Local planning authority. area. They may also oversee management of a key venue • Amateur (community football) services. and/or their administrative home. • Policy development. • Setting fees and charges. • Developing and negotiating tenancy conditions. • Venue and playing field maintenance. • Capital renewal. • New venue planning and development. • Investment partner.

STATE GOVERNMENT The NSW Government through its various departments, agencies and elected members are a strategic partner of football. State Government sets the policy framework under which local government operate, in addition to guiding the priorities for planning (including land release) and investment into sporting infrastructure (both current and future). The NSW Office for Sport is a closely aligned partner for Football NSW and Northern NSW Football and their endorsement and support for the implementation of the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy will be critical in attracting future investment to supports its implementation.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 63 CONSULTATION FINDINGS

SUMMARY OF FOOTBALL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION

The NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy included 3 or less football fields. Typically these LGA’s are A high level summary of survey and workshop an online survey that was distributed to all 129 Local located in central and remote areas of NSW and have responses are provided in the following pages. These Government Authorities and 38 Football Associations very low population bases. key facility findings have helped to shape and influence the overall strategic pillars and recommendations and Zones across NSW. The consultation period All 38 Football Associations and Zones responded to provided in the Strategy. extended from April 2019 to September 2019. the survey, representing a 100% completion rate. Football Association and Zone survey recipients In total, 68 survey responses were received from A series of workshops were also held for LGAs and were also asked to identify high priority local football LGAs providing a broad cross section of football Football Associations and Zones across six strategic projects in their locality. experiences. Of the 129 LGAs in NSW, 20 do not have locations including Sydney, Lake Macquarie, Orange, any64 football facility provision, with another 29 having Wagga Wagga, Moruya and Cessnock. NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY CONSULTATION FINDINGS INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION CONSULTATIONCONSULTATIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION FINDINGS FINDINGS CONSULTATIONCONSULTATION FINDINGS FINDINGS Word that best describes current Word that WordbestWord that thatdescribes best bestINTRODUCTION describes describes Identified challenges Key Priorities Word that best describes IdentifiedIdentifiedIdentified challenges challenges challenges KeyKey Priorities Priorities Key Priorities currentfootball football currentparticipationcurrentCONSULTATION participationfootball football participation participation FINDINGSIdentified challenges Key Priorities current football participation

LocalLocal Government Government Local Local Government Government LocalLocal Government Government Local GovernmentWordWord that that best best describes describes Local Government Local Government Local Government • Effectively maintaining Local groundsGovernmentIdentified when they challenges are • Address levels of ageing infrastructureKeyLocal Priorities Government current football participation• Effectively maintaining grounds when they are • AddressIdentified levels of ageing challenges infrastructure Key Priorities closedclosed or or in in seasonal seasonal transition transition current5%5% football participation• Effectively maintaining grounds when they are•• SecureSecure partner partner investment investment• Address for for new new levels facility facility of ageing infrastructure Thriving • Effectively maintaining grounds when they are • Address levels of ageing infrastructure 28%28% Thriving • ••Effectively closedAbilityAbility to to orupgrade upgrade maintaining in seasonal playing playing field groundstransitionfield lighting lighting when they are developmentdevelopment• and/orAddress and/or renewal renewal levels works works of ageing infrastructure 5% closed or in seasonal transition Local GovernmentGrowing closed or in seasonal transition Local Government • Secure• Secure partnerLocal partner investment Government investment for new for facility new facility 5% 34%34% ThrivingThrivingGrowing • • SecuringSecuring funding funding to to address address facility facility requirements requirements • • DevelopmentDevelopment• Secureof of gender gender partnerneutral neutral change changeinvestment room room for new facility 28% • •Ability Ability to toupgrade upgrade playing playing field field lighting lighting facilities developmentdevelopment and/or renewaland/or renewalworks works 28% ThrivingStable • •Ability Poor toquality upgrade of playing playing fields fromfield overuse lighting facilities LocalGrowing GovernmentStable • Poor quality of• playingEffectively fields maintaining from overuse grounds when they are Local•development Address Government levels and/or of ageing renewal infrastructure works Local Government 34% Growing • •Securing Securing funding fundingclosed to toaddressor addressin seasonal facility facility transition requirements requirements •• IncreaseIncrease levels• levelsDevelopment of of storage storage• Development provision provision of gender of gender neutral neutralchange change room room 5%Growing NeedsNeeds Help Help • • InadequateInadequate number number of of playing playing fields fields to to cater cater for for • Secure partner investment for new facility 34% Thriving• Securing funding to address facility requirements • Development of gender neutral change room 33%33% Stable 28% growinggrowing demands demands• Ability to upgrade playing field lighting •• AttractAttract support supportfacilities to developmentto improve improvefacilities maintenance maintenance and/or renewal regimes regimes works INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONStable • •Poor Poor quality quality of of playing playing fields fields from from overuse overuse facilities Stable Growing• Poor quality of playing fields from overuse CONSULTATIONINTRODUCTION34% Needs Help FINDINGS • Securing funding to address• Effectively facility requirements maintaining • • IncreaseDevelopment• Increasegrounds levels of gender levelsof storagewhen neutral of storage provision theychange provision roomare • Address levels of ageing infrastructure CONSULTATIONNeeds Help FINDINGS • •Inadequate Inadequate number number of ofplaying playing fields fields to caterto cater for for • Increasefacilities levels of storage provision Needs Help Stable• Inadequate •number Poor quality of playing of playing fields fields to from cater overuse for 33% 5% growinggrowing demands demands closed or in seasonal• Attract •transition Attract support support to improve to improve maintenance maintenance regimes regimes CONSULTATION33% growing demandsFINDINGS• Inadequate number of playing fields to cater for • • AttractIncrease support levels of to storage improve provision maintenance regimes • Secure partner investment for new facility Association/Zones Needs Help Association/Zone LOCAL GOVERNMENT LOCAL Association/Zones Association/Zone Association/ZoneAssociation/Zone 33% Thrivinggrowing demands • Attract support to improve maintenance regimes WordWord that that best bestINTRODUCTION describes describes28% • Ability to upgrade playing field lighting development and/or renewal works IdentifiedIdentified challenges challenges KeyKey Priorities Priorities currentcurrentCONSULTATION football football participation participation FINDINGS• • InadequacyInadequacy of of existing existing playing playing field field lighting lighting for for • • ProvisionProvision of of gender gender neutral neutral change change rooms rooms competitioncompetitionGrowing 34% • Securing• • fundingMaintainingMaintaining amenities toamenities address to to a a safe safe andfacility and suitable suitable requirements • Development of gender neutral change room 9%9% 8%8% Thriving •• SecuringSecuring funding funding for for facility facility improvements improvements standardstandard Association/ZonesLocal Government Thriving LocalAssociation/Zone Government Association/Zone Association/ZonesLocal Government Association/Zones LocalAssociation/Zone GovernmentAssociation/Zone LocalLocal Government GovernmentAssociation/Zone facilities •• LimitedLimitedStable number number of of synthetic synthetic fields fields • Poor quality•• SecureSecure of partner playingpartner investment investment fields for for new newfromAssociation/Zone facility facility overuse Word that bestGrowingGrowing describes Word that best describes development and/or renewal works • • NotEffectivelyNotEffectively enough enough maintaining maintainingplaying playing fields fields grounds grounds with Identifiedwith adequate adequatewhen when they they challenges lighting lighting are are to to •• developmentAddressIdentifiedAddress levels levels and/or of of ageing ageing renewal challenges infrastructure infrastructure worksKey Priorities Key Priorities 36%36% current footballStable participation • • Inadequacy Inadequacy •of of Inadequacyexisting existing playing of playing existing field playingfield lighting lighting field lightingfor for for • • ProvisionProvision• Provision of gendergender of neutral gender neutral change neutral change rooms change rooms rooms 5% Stable • Inadequacyclosedcaterclosed foror or intraining in seasonal seasonalof existing transition transition playing field lighting for • Provision of gender neutral change rooms • Increase levels of storage provision current5% 47%47% football participationcompetitioncaterNeeds for training Helpcompetition • Inadequate• • AddressSecureAddressSecure number partner levelspartner levels ofinvestment ofinvestment ofageing ageing playing infrastructure infrastructure for for new new fieldsfacility facility to cater for Thriving competition • • MaintainingMaintaining amenitiesamenities to a to safe a safeand suitable and suitable 28%28% 9% 8% NeedsThrivingNeeds Help Help •competition• AbilityInadequateAbility to to upgrade upgrade number playing playing of playing field field lighting fieldslighting to cater for • developmentdevelopmentIncrease levels and/or and/or of club• renewal renewalMaintaining storage works works provision amenities to a safe and suitable 9% 8% 33% Thriving• Inadequate number• Securing of playing funding fields for tofacility cater growingimprovements for •demands Increase levels• Maintaining ofstandard club storage amenities provision to a safe and suitable • Attract support to improve maintenance regimes 9% 8% ThrivingLocal GovernmentGrowing • •SecuringgrowingSecuring demandsfunding funding to for address facility facility Local improvements requirements Government standard Local Government 34%34% ThrivingGrowing • •• Securing growingSecuring demands funding funding• Limited to foraddress for facilitynumber facility facility ofimprovements syntheticimprovementsrequirements fields • • DevelopmentDevelopment• standardof of Securegender genderstandard partnerneutral neutral changeinvestment change room room for new facility Thriving Growing • Poor quality of playing fields facilitiesfacilities StableStable • • •Limited PoorPoor quality quality number of• of playing playingEffectively of synthetic fields fields maintaining from from fields overuse overuse grounds when they are • •SecuredevelopmentAddress partner levels and/or of investment ageing renewal infrastructure works for new facility 36% GrowingGrowing • •Limited Limited number number• Not of enough ofsynthetic synthetic playing fields fieldsfields with adequate lighting to • Secure• Secure partner partner investment investment for new for facility new facility LocalGrowing Government Stable • Increase Local levels of Governmentstorage provision Local Government 5% 47%Needs Help • Inadequate numbercaterclosed offor or playing training in seasonal fields totransition cater for • Increase levels•development ofAddress storage levels provision and/or of ageing renewal infrastructure works 36% Needs Help • • NotInadequate enough number playing of playingfields withfields adequateto cater for lighting to •development Securedevelopment partner and/or investment renewaland/or for new renewalworks facility works 33%33% StableStable28% NeedsThriving• •Not growingNotHelp growing enough enough demands demands •playing playingAbility tofields upgrade fields with playing withadequate adequate field lighting lighting lighting to• Attract support to improve maintenance regimes 36% 47% Stable cater for training• Inadequate number of playing fields to cater• forAttract support• • Address todevelopmentIncrease improve levelslevels maintenance and/or of of club ageingrenewal storage regimes worksinfrastructure provision 47% Growingcaterto cater for training for traininggrowing demands • Address• Address levels oflevels ageing of ageing infrastructure infrastructure 34% NeedsNeeds Help Help • Securing funding to address• Effectively facility requirements maintaining • Development grounds of gender when neutral theychange roomare • Address levels of ageing infrastructure Needs Help • Inadequate number of playing fields to cater for • Increasefacilities levels of club storage provision Stable• •Inadequate Inadequate number• numberPoor quality of ofplaying ofplaying playing fields fields to from caterto overusecater for for • Increase• Increase levels levelsof club of storage club storage provision provision 5%Association/Zones growing demands closed or in seasonalAssociation/Zone transition Association/Zone growing demands• Inadequate number of playing fields to cater for • Increase levels of storage provision • Secure partner investment for new facility NSWNSW Football Football Infrastructure InfrastructureAssociation/Zones Strategy Strategy – –Final Final June June 2020 2020 Needs growingHelp demands Association/Zone Association/Zone PagePage 61 61

ASSOCIATION/ZONES Association/Zones Association/Zone Association/Zone 33% • PoorThriving quality of growingplaying demands fields • Attract support to improve maintenance regimes 28% • •Poor Poor quality quality of of playing playing fields fields • Ability to upgrade playing field lighting development and/or renewal works • • InadequacyInadequacy of of existing existing playing playing field field lighting lighting• forInadequacy for • • ProvisionProvision of existing of of gender gender neutral neutralplaying change change roomsfield rooms lighting for • Provision of gender neutral change rooms competition competitionGrowing • Maintaining amenities to a safe and suitable 34%9% 8% • Securing• fundingMaintaining amenitiesto address to a safe andfacility suitable requirements • Development of gender neutral change room 9% 8% • Securing funding for facility improvements competitionstandard ThrivingThriving • Securing funding for facility improvements standard • Maintaining amenities to a safe and suitable NSW Football InfrastructureAssociation/Zones Strategy – Final June 2020 Association/Zone Association/Zone Page 61 facilities 9% 8% •• LimitedLimitedStable number number of of synthetic synthetic fields fields • Poor quality•• SecureSecure of partner playingpartner investment investment fields for for new newfrom facility facility overuse GrowingGrowing • Securing funding for facility improvements standard Thriving developmentdevelopment and/or and/or renewal renewal works works 36% • • NotNot enough enough playing •playing Inadequacy fields fields with with of adequateexisting adequate playing lighting lighting field to to lighting for • Provision of gender neutral change rooms 36% StableStable • Increase levels of storage provision 47% catercater for for training trainingcompetition • Inadequate•• AddressAddress number levels levels of of ofageing ageing playing infrastructure infrastructure fields to cater for 47% Needs Help • Maintaining amenities to a safe and suitable 9% 8% Needs Help • Limited number of synthetic fields • Secure partner investment for new facility NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final JuneNeeds 2020 Help • InadequateGrowing number of playing fields to cater for • Increase levels of club storage provision Page 61 33% Thriving• Inadequate number• Securing of playing funding fields for tofacility cater growingimprovements for •demands Increase levels ofstandard club storage provision • Attract support to improve maintenance regimes NSWNSW FOOTBALL Football INFRASTRUCTURE Infrastructure STRATEGY Strategy – Final June 2020 growing demands Page 61 65 growing demands• Limited number of synthetic fields • Secure partner investment for new facility development and/or renewal works Growing • Not enough playing fields with adequate lighting to 36% •• PoorPoor quality quality of of playing playing fields fields development and/or renewal works Stable• Not enough playing fields with adequate lighting to 36% Stable cater for training • Address levels of ageing infrastructure 47%47% cater for training • Address levels of ageing infrastructure Needs Help Needs• HelpInadequate number of• playingInadequate fields to cater for number• Increaseof playing levels of clubfields storage to provision cater for • Increase levels of club storage provision growing demands • Poor quality of playing fieldsgrowing demands Association/Zones Association/Zone Association/Zone NSWNSW Football Football Infrastructure Infrastructure Strategy Strategy – – Final Final June June 2020 2020 • Poor quality of playing fields PagePage 61 61 • Inadequacy of existing playing field lighting for • Provision of gender neutral change rooms competition • Maintaining amenities to a safe and suitable NSW Football9% Infrastructure8% Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 61 Thriving • Securing funding for facility improvements standard • Limited number of synthetic fields • Secure partner investment for new facility Growing development and/or renewal works • Not enough playing fields with adequate lighting to 36% Stable NSW Football Infrastructure47% Strategy – Final June 2020 cater for training • Address levels of ageing infrastructure Page 61 Needs Help • Inadequate number of playing fields to cater for • Increase levels of club storage provision growing demands • Poor quality of playing fields

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 61 STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP THEMES

State Government, Local Synthetic fields are increasing Government and Associations community football capacity agree football participation is and should be considered in growing and thriving more locations

75% of LGAs agree that ageing infrastructure, securing funding and gender neutral change rooms are key priorities

Accessible, factual data on School access provides football participation in each participation opportunities Association, Zone, Local for football, if formal Government Area needs to be agreements were easier to shared and used for decision negotiate making

66 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY DEMAND ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION INFLUENCES ON FUTURE DEMAND

A vast number ofINFLUENCES factors influence the demand ON forFUTURE football, with DEMANDSportsEye taking into account a series of demographic, location, education and household factors. In simple terms, key areas of population growth and demographic change provide high level indicators where new football participation growth will be generated.

Population andPOPULATION demographics AND DEMOGRAPHICS Australia’s currentAustralia’s population current is estimated population at is estimated Forat NorthernA vastNSW number Football, ofthe factors areas of influence Lake 25,592,295, with NSW making up 32%. 25,592,295, with NSW making up 32%. Macquarie andthe Newcastle demand will for contribute football, the with majority Sydney is Australia’s most populated city with ofan populationSportsEye growth to 2030, taking with into around account 25,000 a new Sydney is Australia’s most populated city with an estimated population of over 4.4 million people. Theresidents. estimated populationpopulation of over of 4.4 New million South people. Wales is expectedThe to grow series of demographic, location, population of Newon South average Wales by 100,000 is expected people to each grow year on until 2041New venue planning,education club development and household and average by 100,000and people reach 10,572,700 each year million until 2041people and by 2041. investment advocacyfactors. will In require simple additional terms, keyresources reach 10,572,700 Keymillion population people growth by 2041. areas for NSW predominatelyin order to sustainablyareas of populationdeliver football growth over the and coming include the Greater Western Sydney area, followingdecade and beyonddemographic in the identified change growth provide areas. Key population growththe sprawling areas for Sydney NSW settlement predominately pattern. This growth high level indicators where new include the Greaterprovides Western key Sydney opportunities area, tofollowing reinforce existing hotFNSW & NNSWF will always look to encourage the the sprawling Sydneyspots settlement for football, pattern. as well as This opportunities growth to builddevelopment a football of a football participation facility that growthsupports willthe new footprint in areas that are yet to be established. provides key opportunities to reinforce existing hot current demand and futurebe generated. increase in participation, spots for football, LGAsas well that as will opportunities experience some to build of the a largest growthwith each particular project considered on its own over the 2020-2030 period are Blacktown (estimated new footprint in areas that are yet to be established. merit considering the unique local conditions in place. 113,000), Parramatta (81,000), Liverpool (77,000), LGAs that will experienceHills Shire some (71,000), of the Canterbury-Bankstown largest growth (67,000), decade and beyond in the identified growth areas. over the 2020-2030Cumberland period are (63,000), Blacktown Penrith (estimated (61,000) and CamdenThe overall projected change in demand trends for (52,000). FNSW & NNSWF will always look to encourage the 113,000), Parramatta (81,000), Liverpool (77,000), football isdevelopment represented of viaa football the adjacent facility thatLGA supports area map, the Hills Shire (71,000),Within Canterbury-Bankstown these LGA areas alone, (67,000), more than 115,000where thecurrent red areasdemand indicate and future the increasegreatest in projected participation, children aged between 5 and 14 are anticipated to with each particular project considered on its own Cumberland (63,000), Penrith (61,000) and Camden increase in potential demand for football participants move into the region. This has particular importance merit considering the unique local conditions in place. (52,000). for Football NSW and the Associations managingfrom 2019 to 2026. football as it could mean an additional 5,000 children The overall projected change in demand trends for Within these LGA playingareas alone,football more based than on 115,000 current state average football is represented via the adjacent LGA area map, children aged betweenparticipate 5 and rates. 14 are anticipated to where the red areas indicate the greatest projected move into the region. This has particular importance increase in potential demand for football participants For Northern NSW Football, the areas of Lake from 2019 to 2026. for Football NSW Macquarieand the Associations and Newcastle managing will contribute the majority football as it couldof mean population an additional growth to 5,000 2030, children with around 25,000 playing football basednew residents.on current state average participate rates. New venue planning, club development and investment advocacy will require additional resources in order to sustainably deliver football over the coming

68 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 64 INTRODUCTION INFLUENCES ON FUTURE DEMAND INFLUENCES ON FUTURE DEMAND

DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANTS DistributionRegistered of player participants numbers have been used as a measure to assess current use and future 2019 REGISTERED NSW FOOTBALL PARTICIPANTS demand. 2019 Registered NSW Football Participants Registered player numbers have been used as a measure to assess current use and The 2019 registered winter players total 272,970 an 11% increase on the 245,845 registered 272,970272,970 future indemand. 2014. This rate of growth for registered club players is a significant increase in the number The 2019of regular registered footballers winter each players week, total all requiring 272,970 space an 11% to train increase and play. on the 245,845 registeredRegistered in 2014. football This participation rate of growth is spread for registered across the club three players football is areas: a significant increase1. inFootball the number NSW Metro of regular (195,341 footballers registered each players) week, all requiring space to train and play. 8.9% 2. Football Northern NSW (53,363 registered players) Registered3. Football football NSW participation Regional (24,266 is spread registered across players)the three football areas: 1. FootballIn identifying NSW Metropriority (195,341 areas of futureregistered demand, players) it is important to note that Football NSW and affiliated Associations oversee 71.6% of registered players across NSW, with Northern 19.5% 2. Football Northern NSW (53,363 registered players) NSW Football Zones responsible for 19.5% and the Regional Football NSW Branches the 3. Footballremaining NSW 8.9%. Regional (24,266 registered players) In identifyingGROWTH priority RATE areas TRENDS of future demand, it is important to note that Football NSW and affiliated Associations oversee 71.6% of registered players across NSW, with The following pages provide an overall summary and assessment of the potential Northernchange NSW in Footballfootball demand, Zones responsible based on the for previous 19.5% five and year the historicalRegional growth Football NSW Branchestrends the across remaining each football8.9%. area. While it may be difficult for all Football 71.6% Associations and Zones to maintain their recent historical trends in growth, we can assume that with population change, an Growthimprovement rate trends in infrastructure quality and access to new facilities, continued growth is possible. The following pages provide an overall summary and assessment of the potential changeThe in followingfootball demand, tables also based assume on that the the previous same local five growth year historical growth trends acrossrate each between football 2014 area. and While 2019 continuesit may be from difficult 2019 for to all 2024 Football to Associations and Football NSW Metropolitan Sydney Associations identify a potential market for new football participants. This is Football NSW Metropolitan Sydney Associations Zones to maintain their recent historical trends in growth, we can assume that with a simplistic measure to ascertain what continuing trends look like Northern NSW Football Zones population change, an improvement in infrastructure quality and access to new Northern NSW Football Zones across NSW. Football NSW Regional facilities, continued growth is possible. Football NSW Regional The following tables also assume that the same local growth rate between 2014 and 2019 continues from 2019 to 2024 to identify a potential market for new football Note: Summer football, futsal, coaches, referees, volunteers and school participants are additional Note: Summer football, futsal, coaches, referees, volunteers and school participants are football participants not included in this graph. participants. This is a simplistic measure to ascertain what continuing trends look like additional football participants not included in this graph. across NSW.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 69

NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy – Final June 2020 Page 65 GROWTH RATE TRENDS – METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATIONS

The table below provides participation comparisons using registered winter season football participants between 2014 and 2019 for Football NSW Metropolitan Associations. Participation projections for 2024 are provided by applying the five-year historical growth rate. In the event football participation rates in each Football Zone were to increase, the growth projections provided would significantly increase. Participation decline was only identified in two Associations (Nepean and Southern Districts), where only marginal declines in local football participants was identified.

Change in Rate of Change in Estimated Change 2019 Football Total Registered Total Registered Football NSW Metropolitan Association Registered Players Participation in Registered Participation Rate Players 2014 Players 2019 2014-2019 2014-2019 (%) Players by 2024 Bankstown District Amateur Football Association 3.2% 5,837 6,377 +540 9% +590 Blacktown District Soccer Football Association 3.2% 10,119 10,823 +704 7% +753 Canterbury & District Soccer Football Association 3.0% 14,064 15,826 +1,762 13% +1,983 Central Coast Football 4.4% 13,263 14,635 +1,372 10% +1,514 Eastern Suburbs Football Association 2.1% 7,161 9,555 +2,394 33% +3,194 Football South Coast 4.0% 11,603 11,823 +220 2% +224 Granville and Districts Soccer Football Association 2.1% 7,407 7,968 +561 8% +603 Hills Football 5.3% 8,970 10,029 +1,059 12% +1,184 Macarthur Football Association 3.9% 9,688 10,738 +1,050 11% +1,164 Manly Warringah Football Association 6.6% 15,700 18,534 +2,834 18% +3,346 Nepean Football Association 3.7% 12,671 12,627 -44 0% -44 North West Sydney Football Association 5.0% 11,792 12,971 +1,179 10% +1,297 Northern Suburbs Football Association 4.7% 15,281 16,797 +1,516 10% +1,666 Southern Districts Soccer Football Association 2.2% 8,830 8,604 -226 -3% -220 St George Football Association 3.5% 8,039 8,882 +843 10% +931 Sutherland Shire Football Association 8.6% 17,645 18,866 +1,221 7% +1,305 Average Participation Rate 4.1% - - - - - Average Participation Growth - - - - 9.8% - TOTAL REGISTERED PLAYERS - 178,070 195,055 +16,985 - +21,515

*Note: In this Strategy Geographic Area registered winter football participants have been counted using home address postcode and is represented in the above and following tables. Registered winter football participants can choose to play for any football association of their choice and are not restricted to play in the association competition where they live.

70 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY GROWTH RATE TRENDS – METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATIONS

The average rate of growth in participation over the past five-years in Metropolitan Sydney has Growth rates indicate that a market for an been around 9.8%. All Associations with the additional 21,515 participants may exist across exception of Southern Districts SFA, Nepean Metropolitan Sydney Football Associations should Football and South Coast FA experienced strong football continue to grow at the same historical growth of 7% or above. five-year rate.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 71 GROWTH RATE TRENDS – REGIONAL BRANCHES

The table below provides participation comparisons using registered winter season football participants between 2014 and 2019 for Regional NSW Branch areas. Participation projections for 2024 are provided by applying the five-year historical growth rate. In the event football participation rates in each Regional Branch were to increase, the growth projections provided would significantly increase - currently none of the NSW Football Branches meet the state average participation rate of 3.7%

Change in Rate of Change in Estimated Change 2019 Football Total Registered Total Registered Football NSW Metropolitan Association Registered Players Participation in Registered Participation Rate Players 2014 Players 2019 2014-2019 2014-2019 (%) Players by 2024 Western Branch 3.2% 9,843 10,712 +869 9% +964 Southern Branch 3.1% 7,042 7,773 +731 10% +777 Riverina Branch 2.2% 5,095 5,737 +642 13% +746

Average Participation Rate 2.8% - - - - -

Average Participation Growth - - - - 10.7% -

TOTAL REGISTERED PLAYERS - 21,980 24,222 +2,242 - +2,487

• All NSW Regional Football Branches have experienced significant growth with a collective additional 2,242 registered players over the past 5 years.

• Growth rates indicate that a market for an additional 2,487 participants may exist across Regional NSW should football continue to grow at the same historical five-year rate.

• The Riverina Branch, including population centres of Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Albury had the lowest participate rate at 2.2%, however it experienced the highest rate of growth over the past five years.

72 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY GROWTH RATE TRENDS – NORTHERN NSW

The table below provides participation comparisons using registered winter season football participants between 2014 and 2019 for Northern NSW. Participation projections for 2024 are provided by applying the five-year historical growth rate. In the event football participation rates in each Football Zone were to increase, the growth projections provided would significantly increase - currently only the Macquarie Football (5.1%) and Newcastle Football (4.9%) exceed the state average participation rate of 3.7%

Change in Rate of Change in Estimated Change 2019 Football Total Registered Total Registered Football Zone Registered Players Participation in Registered Participation Rate Players 2014 Players 2019 2014-2019 2014-2019 (%) Players by 2024 Football Far North Coast 3.0% 6,308 7,301 +993 +16% 1,149 Football Mid North Coast 3.5% 5,588 6,788 +1,200 +21% 1,458 Hunter Valley Football 3.7% 5,953 7,053 +1,100 +18% 1,303 Macquarie Football 5.1% 8,640 9,689 +1,049 +12% 1,176 Newcastle Football 4.9% 9,562 11,612 +2,050 +21% 2,490 North Coast Football 3.2% 4,540 5,029 +489 +11% 542 Northern Inland Football 3.3% 5,013 6,072 +1,059 +21% 1,282

Average Participation Rate 3.6% - - - - -

Average Participation Growth - - - - +17.1% -

TOTAL REGISTERED PLAYERS - 45,604 53,544 +7,940 - +9,400

• All Football Zones in Northern NSW are experiencing significant growth with Newcastle Football introducing over 2,000 registered players over the past 5 years.

• Growth rates indicate that a market for an additional 9,400 participants may exist across Northern NSW Football Zones should football continue to grow at the same historical five-year rate.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 73 PROVISION RATIOS

Pitch, participant and population provision ratios provide a general guide to the average number of playing fields (pitches) per registered participant (participant) and resident population (population) within a specific geographic area. While local ratios can be influenced by a range of factors (including planning policies, facility quality, support amenities, access, user activities), they do provide a general comparative guide to provision and usage levels and highlight potential areas for more detailed investigation.

PITCH TO POPULATION RATIOS PITCH TO REGISTERED PARTICIPANT RATIOS

NSW state average population per full-size equivalent playing field NSW state average players per full-size equivalent playing field

1 field : to 4,995 people 1 field : to 183 players

Metropolitan Sydney average population per full-size equivalent playing field Metropolitan Sydney average players per full-size equivalent playing field

1 field : to 5,022 people 1 field : to 189 players

Regional average population per full-size equivalent playing field Regional average players per full-size equivalent playing field

1 field : to 4,956 people 1 field : to 174 players

State-wide average football registered participant to playing field ratio of 1 field to 4995 people. Football’s participation and growth rates have highlighted a demand requirement closer to 1 field per 4000 residents state-wide.

74 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FUTURE DEMAND HOT SPOTS

FUTURE LGA DEMAND HOT SPOTS Forecasting specific areas of future growth 1. Northern Beaches Council (Manly Warringah Football and demand should be undertaken with Association) caution as results can be influenced by a range of environmental, climatic, demographic and 2. Central Coast Council (Central Coast Football) other football related changes (including cost of activities, program offering, access to 3. Blacktown City Council (Blacktown District Soccer Football facilities). Association) The SportsEye model calculates demand via a sophisticated market assessment, 4. Canterbury-Bankstown City Council (Canterbury District identifying residents of similar demographics Soccer Football Association and Bankstown District Amateur and characteristics to the existing football Football Association) participant base, and placing them on a scale of likelihood to become registered participants in the future. It takes into account 5. Sutherland Shire (Sutherland Shire Football Association) the current actual take up of registrations against the local population and aggregates 6. City of Parramatta (Granville District Soccer Football the data against the projected future Association) population. 7. The Hills Shire (Hills Football Association and North West Refer to Appendix 2 for definitions and a more detailed description of LGA specific Sydney Football Association) breakdowns. 8. Wollongong City Council (Football South Coast) However, when overlaying existing football participation rates and SportsEye demand 9. Penrith City Council (Nepean Football Association) projections, the top 10 LGA hot spots with the most potential for increasing football 10. Lake Macquarie City Council (Macquarie Football). participation include:

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 75 FUTURE DEMAND HOT SPOTS

Top 20 NSW LGA future demand hot spots

Predicted Population Potential market for new participants if current Local Government Area Growth 2021 – 2031 3.8% state average participation rate is applied 1 Blacktown 113,624 4,318 2 Parramatta 81,071 3,081 3 Liverpool 77,127 2,931 4 The Hills Shire 71,916 2,733 5 Canterbury-Bankstown 67,669 2,571 6 Cumberland 63,129 2,399 7 Penrith 61,730 2,346 8 Camden 52,425 1,992 9 Ryde 41,305 1,570 10 Central Coast 39,396 1,497 11 Campbelltown 32,314 1,228 12 Bayside 30,455 1,157 13 City of Sydney 29,867 1,135 14 Inner West 25,363 964 15 Wollongong 23,862 907 16 Fairfield 22,700 863 17 Burwood 19,182 729 18 Georges River 18,460 701 19 Sutherland Shire 17,901 680 LGA growth areas by projected 20 Canada Bay 17,593 669 population change 2021-2031. Source SportsEye. TOTAL 907,089 34,469

76 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FUTURE DEMAND HOT SPOTS

Top 10 Northern NSW LGA future demand hot spots Top 10 Regional NSW LGA future demand hot spots

Potential market for Potential market for new participants if new participants if Predicted Population Predicted Population Local Government Area current 3.8% state Local Government Area current 3.8% state Growth 2021 – 2031 Growth 2021 – 2031 average participation average participation rate is applied rate is applied

1 Newcastle 14,386 547 1 Shoalhaven (S) 6,571 250 2 Maitland 12,090 459 2 Orange (W) 4,649 177 3 Cessnock 11,932 453 3 Albury (R) 3,785 144 4 Lake Macquarie 10,907 414 4 Queanbeyan-Palerang (C) 3,530 134 5 Port Macquarie-Hastings 8,526 324 5 Wagga Wagga (R) 3,488 133 6 Tweed 7,176 273 6 Bathurst Regional (W) 3,440 131 7 Coffs Harbour 5,754 219 7 Dubbo Regional (W) 3,202 122 8 Port Stephens 4,715 179 8 Goulburn Mulwaree (S) 1,465 56 9 Mid-Coast 4,221 160 9 Wingecarribee (S) 1,297 49 10 Armidale Regional 3,750 143 10 Mid-Western Regional (W) 1,047 40

TOTAL 83,457 3,171 TOTAL 32,474 1,236

(S) – Southern Branch (W) – Western Branch (R) – Riverina Branch (C) – Capital Football

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 77 FOOTBALL FACILITY HIERARCHY NSW FOOTBALL FACILITY HIERARCHY

HIERARCHY LEVELS The NSW Football Facilities Hierarchy considers several strategic documents and planning frameworks that guide and influence the provision of sport and recreation facilities in NSW. The competition structure of football in NSW (including the National Premier League (NPL) competition) and the governance of football in Northern NSW, metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW also play a key role in defining the relative levels and hierarchy of facilities.

The following definitions outline the purpose and context of each level of the hierarchy.

HIERARCHY LEVEL EXAMPLE CURRENT PROVISON TARGET

NATIONAL Bankwest Stadium 2 in Sydney 2 in Sydney McDonald Jones Stadium 1 in Newcastle 1 in Newcastle

STATE HQ Valentine Sports Park 1 in Sydney 1 in Sydney Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility 1 in Northern NSW 1 in Northern NSW

NPL VENUE* Marconi Stadium 86 in Metro / Regional NSW Provision to meet NPL competition structures (Bossley Park) and venue capacity needs 11 in Northern NSW

HOMES OF FOOTBALL* Proctor Park 8 in Sydney 1 in each Metropolitan Sydney Association (16) (Bathurst District FA) 4 in Regional NSW 1 in each Regional NSW Branch (3) 1 in each Northern NSW Zone (7)

LOCAL CLUB Caddies Creek Reserve 930+ venues state-wide Provision to meet local club requirements and (Hills Football Association) service competition structures

PLAYING & TRAINING SPACES Charles Bean 14 identified in NSW facility audit currently School fields, open parkland, alternative sports (UTS Ku-ring-gai) being accessed for football fields with access to areas on an as-needs-basis

* In some instances Homes of Football and NPL Venues are (or can be) the same venue, where community and NPL activities are conducted at the same location.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 79 NSW FOOTBALL FACILITY HIERARCHY

NATIONAL community football within a geographical area and/or to catchment areas in larger population centres and individual meet metropolitan association or regional zone needs. townships in regional and rural settings. Stadium facility designed to meet the elite and professional They are best located in key population centres to improve The local club network, in association with local needs of NSW based clubs. This level of facility sits outside levels of accessibility. the NSW community football facility hierarchy and should government, will be responsible for the provision, use and be addressed via the FFA Professional Clubs and NSW Homes of Football may be managed by local associations/ development of local club facilities. Government. zones or local government and be accessible to the broader football community. Having a professional PLAYING AND TRAINING SPACES STATE HQ level of management and oversight promotes a greater range of services and events and helps to ensure venue Playing spaces are generally unformed or informal areas Headquarters for the administration levels of football sustainability. of green / open space used for training and kick-about that provides a home for FNSW and NNSWF. The range activities. Many of these spaces are not bookable and Facilities and amenities at Homes of Football are provided and mix of facilities allows for flexible use in order to not managed to a level suitable of providing competition to a higher standard to service the mix of use. They are also serve community football, as well as high performance football activities and are mainly used for additional viewed as football development centres that also have a and event needs. They also act as a central venue for training venues. centralised administration and service delivery role for football development and education. Venues are not club their given region or football area. School fields, open spaces and alternative sports fields also owned or controlled but managed by FNSW and NNSWF fall into this category and may provide more formalised respectively. They are provided in both metropolitan and regional playing areas than can be bookable. areas, however their geographical NPL VENUES catchment in regional or rural settings will be larger than in NPL venues provide a mix of football facilities and amenities metropolitan areas or major that primarily meet the needs of user club(s) competing population centres. in NPL level competition. NPL venues will generally have multiple fields (with a main match pitch) and be capable of accommodating multiple teams. LOCAL CLUB The difference between NPL venues and Homes of Local Clubs will form the majority Football is the likely club control and management of NPL of community football hierarchy venues, compared to the broader community, event and in NSW. They are generally development focus of Homes of Football. provided for individual clubs and their activities and could also be In some instances Homes of Football and NPL Venues are provided within schools. They are (or can be) the same venue, where community and NPL commonly shared with other sports activities are conducted at the same location. and seasonal users. HOMES OF FOOTBALL Local clubs facilitate access to the game in individual localities and Homes of Football provide a range of facilities, amenities communities across NSW and and services that are targeted to meeting the needs of primarily serve neighbourhood

80 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

NSW FOOTBALL FACILITY HIERARCHY

The following tables provide an overview of the general levels of activity and facility / amenity provision expected within each level of the NSW Football Facility Hierarchy. Details within these tables should be used as a guide to plan new and develop existing venues but should not be used as a definitive criteria to be provided across every existing venue within the NSW facility network.

HIERARCHY EXAMPLE VENUES KEY FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES FUNDAMENTAL FACILITIES LEVEL

NATIONAL • Bankwest Stadium • A-League team training and matches • As per A-League / W-League stadium requirements • McDonald Jones Stadium • W-League team training and matches • Visiting team / club / high performance training • NPL grand final

STATE HQ • Valentine Sports Park • Representative football • NPL competition capable • Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility • Under and over age state team training • Multiple full-size floodlit pitches (minimum 4) • Football development and education centre • Mix of grass and synthetic pitches • Coach and referee development and education • Small-sided and/or indoor pitches • NPL club and team competition • Players and referee change rooms • Community and school football competition • Medical amenities • Regional, State, National carnivals and events • Office, meeting and education accommodation • Social football competitions and casual hire • Commercial café • Football Administration • Spectator amenities and viewing • Onsite management presence • Event capacity / temporary overlay capacity • FFA, FNSW, NNSWF programming • Dedicated car parking for 200+ • Access to fitness facilities

NPL VENUES • Marconi Stadium (Bossley Park) • NPL club and team competition • NPL competition capable • Local finals venue • Multiple full-size floodlit pitches (desirable 1-3) • Community events • Mix of pitches surfaces and sizes (could be more than • Community football competition (potential) minimum pitches in regional settings) • Football program delivery (potential) • Players and referee change rooms • First-aid and medical amenities • Canteen / Kiosk (permanent) • Spectator amenities and viewing • Media and broadcast capabilities • Dedicated car parking for 150 (estimated) • Access to fitness facilities (desirable)

82 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FOOTBALL FACILITY HIERARCHY

HIERARCHY LEVEL EXAMPLE VENUES KEY FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES FUNDAMENTAL FACILITIES

HOMES OF • Proctor Park,Bathurst District FA • Representative football • NPL competition capable • Football, coach, referee development centre • Multiple full-size floodlit pitches (desirable 3-4) FOOTBALL • Christie Park,North West Sydney FA • NPL club and team competition • Mix of grass and synthetic pitches • Community and school football competition • Players and referee change rooms • Regional finals venue • Medical amenities • Regional carnivals and events • Office, meeting and education accommodation • Social football competitions and casual hire • Café / kiosk • Association / Zone administration • Spectator amenities and viewing • Onsite management presence • Event capacity / temporary overlay capacity • Football program delivery • Dedicated car parking for 200 (estimated) • Entry level football activities

LOCAL CLUB • Caddies Creek Reserve (Hills • Community football training and competition • Floodlit pitch(es) (minimum 1-2) Football Association) • School football use • Mix of full-size and small-sided pitches • Football program delivery • Players and referee change rooms • Entry level football activities • Canteen / Kiosk • Dedicated car parking for 60-80 (estimated)

PLAYING & • Charles Bean (UTS Ku-ring-gai) • Community football training • Access to grassed or multi-use area TRAINING SPACES • Social football activities • Access to toilets / water • School football activities (if at school sites) • Entry level football activities • Unrestricted community access and use

*Note: Specific sizes, dimensions and other prescribed minimum or required levels of infrastructure provision Proctor Park,Bathurst District FA are purposely not provided within these hierarchy tables. This level of detail is represented within local area and association competition rules and state-wide NPL match requirements. More detail on recommended provision levels and technical information is also available from the NSW Football Facilities Unit website at https://footballfacilities.com. au/facility-guides and via the range of Facility Guides outlined on Page 22 of this Strategy.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 83 STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION WHY INVEST IN FOOTBALL?

Football is big and has been getting bigger over the past decade. We are now the largest team sport in Australia for participants. However, the levels of investment into community football infrastructure across the State have not been able to keep pace with this growth. As a result we are falling behind and the experience of new and long serving participants is being diminished as our facilities age and deteriorate. The investment, the preparation and the in-depth analysis of this Strategy demonstrates Football’s commitment to making a difference. It shows our desire and aspirations to create better outcomes for communities and football alike.

WHY FOOTBALL IS THE SPORT WORTH INVESTING IN

TO SUPPORT THE CONTINUED GROWTH Our partners understand what we need, they know we that if addressed, will have the greatest positive impact on OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST FOOTBALL need to manage expectations and best of all, they know football as a sport. we need to manage project costs so we can collectively Providing a state-wide framework and associated actions CODE achieve more with less. The resourcing of the Facilities & that respond to the detailed analysis of the extensive data With 272,970 registered competitions players and 11% Advocacy Unit is also an ongoing commitment to investing we have collected and collated provides clear direction growth over the past five years we will soon run out of in and support the sport moving forward. for what is needed. Localised priorities and needs can spaces and places to play. Many venues are at capacity and all be assessed under this framework and collectively we clubs are turning away players due to spatial constraints WE PROVIDE STRONG LEADERSHIP can work from the ground up to all contribute to broader and the inability of grounds to cater for increased use. needs of football facilities. We estimate that 25-30% of existing ground capacity is The NSW Facilities & Advocacy Unit is one of the few of its kind at state sporting body level. It combines the collective lost due to the condition, age and performance of playing WE DELIVER SOCIAL, COMMUNITY AND pitch infrastructure. We could fill the equivalent of 500 experience and resources of both FNSW and NNSWF extra pitches a week through current and unmet demand and provides strong advocacy and leadership across the ECONOMIC BENEFITS government sector and to the broader football community. for football, we just don’t have access to the quality spaces Football clubs play an ever increasing and important role in we need. The development of education resources, securing of connecting communities and promoting active lifestyles. technical and industry partners and the alignment of Football as a sport encourages social inclusion, promotes WE ARE WILLING TO INVEST AND objectives through this Strategy demonstrates our capacity diversity of culture and multi-cultural engagement and PARTNER to deliver and work in partnership with our stakeholders to provides numerous opportunities to participate in a vast provide the best advice. range of programs and activities, all aimed at connecting Football NSW and Northern NSW Football have recently and developing people. supported and invested into a range of facility funding programs, designed to leverage greater levels of TO BETTER MANAGE NEEDS OVER WANTS Independent research conducted in 2018 further identified investment into football facility projects. We will continue The individual outcomes and ‘wish lists’ of the 938 that football contributes more than $515 million per annum in economic benefits and $4.55 million per annum to do this via state and local government facility funds, as community football venues was not the focus of the NSW in community health benefits to the state of NSW. This was we see investment into the facilities and venues we use as a Football Infrastructure Strategy. shared responsibility. Football has also secured a range of a 23% increase from 2015 figures. With continued growth technical and supply partners that can assist in developing Providing a collective voice for the ‘whole of football in the sport across the State, it can be expected that these projects, from site assessment to design and through to needs’ across NSW is the outcome we are trying to figures will only continue to escalate, demonstrating the construction. achieve, by strategically targeting issues and challenges significant impact football has on the NSW community.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 85 STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION

ACTIVE CAMPAIGNS AND CRITICAL ACTIONS CRITICAL ACTIONS State-wide infrastructure priorities and areas of focus have been allocated a level of priority based on their relative impact on delivering the desired outcomes for football and the Provide leadership to stakeholders on facility planning and renewal through football community across NSW. 1 provision of current Football NSW and NNSW Football participation data and community football on-field and off-field venue condition information. The level of priority should be used to inform all stakeholders of the relative importance of each identified action. Support players, officials and referees of all genders by prioritising and To support the achievement of proposed strategic objectives and to ensure the high priority 2 supporting the upgrade and development of facilities at sites with identified needs of football in NSW can be met in the future, Six Active female participation. Campaigns have been identified to lead investment advocacy. Partner with identified stakeholders including, but not limited to, Federal, State Active campaigns have been created to help generate 3 and Local government, Football Associations and clubs to contribute expertise awareness of football infrastructure challenges and to and leverage funding to support football infrastructure initiatives. promote the need for shared resources to address the challenges ahead. Addressing critical actions should be a key focus for the NSW Facilities & Advocacy Unit. Collaborate with developers, growth area Councils, State Government, 4 commercial partners and other sports on future football facility provision to guide Key deliverables have also been identified precinct structure planning in new, growing and established communities. within each Active Campaign. Critical Actions are those deemed to have a significant impact Deliver a consistent and united football message through club, association and on ongoing service delivery and without 5 state body communications. achievement, other recommended actions within the strategy cannot be progressed or will be severely hindered in their Identify key strategic facilities and locations where association or zone homes implementation. They are identified in the 6 of football can deliver more streamlined localised services to the entire regional adjacent table. NSW football community. The key deliverables are identified as the highest priorities and should form the focus of Football NSW and Northern NSW Football resource allocation and advocacy. They have also been identified due to their strong alignment with the four key principles of the strategic framework: Accessibility, Innovative, Inclusive and Sustainable. A summary table of Active Campaigns and Key Deliverables is provided on the following page.

86 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY ACTIVATION CAMPAIGNS

ACTIVE CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVE CAMPAIGN DELIVERABLES

FACILITIES FUND Increase the availability of playing field lighting to increase • Increase the quality of pitch lighting levels to Australian Standards the capacity, safety and user experience across the facility • Football NSW – Let’s • Increase the number of playing and training fields with lighting network and support improvements and innovation in lighting Light Up Football • Introduce more LED lighting across the NSW facility network technology. • Northern NSW Football The Program aims to improve football facilities for a variety • Significantly increase the presence of females throughout the sport. – Facilities Fund of benefits including increasing participation, improving • Address the reasons within the game’s control which are influencing why players are safety and security, assisting in building stronger communities not being retained. through football and improving the overall football experience • Increase the number of community football facilities that are fit for purpose. for all stakeholders.

10% MORE Seek to achieve 10% more capacity across the NSW playing • Increase education on the importance of pitch drainage and irrigation pitch network to accommodate projected growth in use via • Investigate preferred suppliers that can assist in the assessment, planning and the improvement of surface quality, drainage and irrigation implementation of ground renovation projects projects. • Support ground assessment, renovation and rejuvenation projects

SUSTAINABLE SYNTHETICS Implement synthetic turf pitches in key strategic locations with • Increase the number of FIFA Quality synthetic pitches sustainable management models to help build regional playing • Improve financial sustainability of existing synthetic pitches field capacity, improve access to development programs and support Association and Zone operations.

FACILITIES FOR ALL Deliver new, improved, innovative and gender neutral facilities • Increase the number of gender neutral player and match official change room amenities and amenities that specifically address the gaps in supporting • Promote shared facility design models for facilities that deliver flexible use and access female football and other forms of participation by under- for community sport represented groups. • Identify opportunities to use a mix of built-form and modular solutions to meet a range of budgets

EXPANDING FOOTBALL’S Target key land development areas and precinct structure plans • Engage with planners, developers and commercial sector to identify future sites for FOOTPRINT to have facilities suitable for football planned and delivered as football part of public open space provision. Identify sporting facilities • Identify potential Home of Football locations, partners and investment opportunities that are under-utilised and partner with alternate sports • Create opportunities to access more shared school based facilities for football use and venue operators to introduce football into multi-sport environments. • Create opportunities to develop multi-sport playing fields in collaboration with other sports and venue operators (full-size and modified fields)

UP SKILL Implement a range of football staff and community training • Continue to enhance, develop and promote facility planning and guidance materials initiatives to improve volunteer capacity and education around to the football community and government network football facility planning and development (e.g. fact sheets, • Conduct ongoing training on digital platforms (SFA-Football, SportsEye) for Association project planning, grants guide). and Zone representatives • Develop stakeholder engagement framework to drive better communications NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY between football and government 87 AREAS OF FOCUS

IDENTIFYING THE IMPORTANCE OF FOCUS AREAS The proposed state-wide infrastructure Areas of Focus have been allocated a level of priority based on their relative impact on delivering the desired outcomes for Football NSW and Northern NSW Football and its stakeholders. The level of priority should be used to inform all stakeholders involved in the delivery and use of football infrastructure of the relative importance of each identified action. A description of each action priority level is provided below: HIGH (H) Recommended action that significantly contributes to addressing an issue or challenge identified within the strategy and will lead to overall service delivery improvement. They may also be viewed as actions requiring immediate or short-term commencement. MEDIUM (M) Recommended action that contributes to meeting overall strategy objectives and delivers a positive change to user or stakeholder experiences. They may also be viewed as actions that may become a higher priority over the next three to five years. LOW (L) Recommended action that contributes to addressing site specific challenges or actions that provide benefit to a single stakeholder group. They may also be viewed as medium to longer-term actions. ONGOING (O) Recommended action that requires a change in FNSW or NNSWF and/or stakeholder service delivery and requires an ongoing commitment to implementation.

88 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY AREAS OF FOCUS

IMPROVE EXISTING VENUE CAPACITY Maximise the safety, carrying capacity and activation of existing football grounds and venues

AREAS OF FOCUS

1.1 Maintain SFA-Football and SportsEye use and data in conjunction with clubs, H associations and councils.

H 1.2 Increase pitch lighting levels and introduce more LED lighting.

M 1.3 Increase synthetic and hybrid surface provision.

1.4 Increase industry education on the importance of pitch drainage and H irrigation.

1.5 Engage associations and councils in venue and resource allocation to match O capacity.

O 1.6 Monitor ground closure impact.

1.7 Support preferred suppliers to assist with site investigations and capital projects including pitch renovations (inc. drainage, irrigation, surfaces), M synthetic surfaces, lighting, player benches, scoreboards, goal posts provision.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 89 AREAS OF FOCUS

INCLUSIVE FOOTBALL FACILITIES HOMES OF FOOTBALL Support diversity of game formats and participants through inclusive Improve access to football programs, pathways and development facilities services

AREAS OF FOCUS AREAS OF FOCUS

2.1 Increase and improve gender neutral player and match official change room 3.1 Establish a minimum of one Home of Football per football catchment area H M provision. (regional branch, association, zone).

2.2 Identify practical shared and multi-use design models for built facilities with 3.2 Identify potential Home of Football locations and their type of focus H M alternate and compatible sports. (football, multi-sport, community).

2.3 Create an amenities guide that promotes universal and gender neutral design 3.3 Develop a core service program and preferred facility and amenity M H principles and related information on building and site planning for inclusive requirements for Homes of Football (including event capacity). football activities. M 3.4 Identify business and management plan objectives for Homes of Football. M 2.4 Identify opportunities for shared school based facility models. 3.5 Prepare case studies for successfully operating Homes of Football for H 2.5 Identify opportunities to collaborate with other ‘outdoor pitch sports’ to promotion. M unlock investment for multi-sport venues. 3.6 Identify land, investment and partnership opportunities for new Homes of M Football development.

90 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY AREAS OF FOCUS

PLANNING FOR GROWTH AND DEMAND PARTNERSHIPS AND INVESTMENT Plan to maximise participation through new and innovative venue Develop and maintain relationships with all levels of government and opportunities industry partners

AREAS OF FOCUS AREAS OF FOCUS

4.1 Engage with planners, developers, NSW Government and commercial 5.1 Develop a Stakeholder Engagement Framework that, when applied, builds H sector to identify future sites for footballs current needs and long-term H relationships with all levels of local and state government and is implemented requirements. by football associations, zones and regional branches.

5.2 Promote the NSW Football Facility Hierarchy to demonstrate venue priorities 4.2 Identify flexible facility designs that address evolving community needs and O O over ‘desirable amenities. uses. 5.3 Develop relationships with partners that will better position football in NSW as 4.3 Develop sustainable football model venue designs and land area H O a key influencer in sports facility provision and policy development (e.g. Sport requirements to support precinct structure planning. NSW, Office of Sport, Local Councils).

4.4 Support satellite venue management of new venues via the existing club 5.4 In conjunction with facility and sport partners (e.g. Tennis NSW, Bowls NSW), O M network (maximising and streamlining volunteer resources). identify opportunities for small-sided football / futsal facility provision

5.5 Continue to develop internal investment capacity within FNSW and NNSWF 4.5 Advocate for football through offering expertise (or review) of site master O O to support and contribute to state and local government facility initiatives and plans and precinct structure plans. funding programs.

4.6 Continue to identify sites not yet accessed by football, where capacity may 5.6 Continue to deliver a program of state-wide facility planning, advisory and O M exist for future use (e.g. school sites, multi-sport sites). education forums.

5.7 Continue to provide and develop facility planning and guidance materials to 4.7 Continue to use data driven techniques to ensure there are enough facilities O H in the right locations to meet football’s current needs and long-term facility providers and landowners. aspirations. 5.8 Make available and conduct training for associations / zones on SportsEye and H SFA-Football tools.

5.9 Share football data with local government to drive and guide football’s needs H locally and to embed accurate data into local area planning.

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 91 MEASURING SUCCESS

MONITORING AND EVALUATION IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES Formal evaluation of strategic priorities, active campaigns and critical actions by Football Football understands the funding constraints within the public sector and fully appreciates NSW, Northern NSW Football and partners will be required to ensure ongoing and the challenging financial climate and competing priorities that all local government consistent alignment with government and regional objectives. authorities delicately balance in each and every local community. The data platforms provided through Sports Facility Auditor – Football and SportsEye State and local governments face a difficult task in allocating finite funding in an equitable provide for the ongoing updating of data and information and should be used as a consistent manner with health, education, transport and aged care just a sample of the important source to inform evaluation methodologies. services required in any community setting. Evaluation of strategic outcomes should also identify key success and overall benefits for While the long-term health benefits of providing communities with places and facilities that football and the communities in which it is played. The following monitoring and review encourage active lifestyles are well known, the initial financial outlay to construct football process will be led by Football NSW and Northern NSW Football to ensure the NSW facilities is significant. A long community health pay back period combined with a typically Football Infrastructure Strategy and associated Football Area Summaries remain relevant for discounted tenancy and maintenance responsibilities can detract from football investments all stakeholders. in sports fields and gender neutral change rooms. The solution therefore lies in a collaboration and engagement approach that: • Identifies football sites requiring upgrades are eligible for joint funding, or third-party funding opportunities. • Prioritise opportunities and upgrades based on participation rates and demand within specific sites to achieve the best community outcomes.

Formal State-wide strategic Facility audit refresh & Strategy review & discussions with direction review & updating review of implementation evaluation of community & Local Government of investment needs progress & investment football benefits levels FNSW & NNSW 50% of Local 100% of Local Football adopt Area Summaries Area Summaries strategy adopted adopted

2020 2023 2025 2030

Annual participant data refresh, stakeholder survey to identify changing needs and review of regional priorities

92 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY APPENDICES APPENDIX 1

Summary of all 2019 Local Government Area registered participants and participation rates.

% Football % Football Registered Registered Participation Participation # Local Government Area Winter Football Region # Local Government Area Winter Football Region rate by rate by Players 2019 Players 2019 population population 1 Sutherland Shire 18,864 8.6% FNSW Metro 22 Randwick 3,736 2.7% FNSW Metro 2 Northern Beaches 17,488 6.9% FNSW Metro 23 Maitland 3,464 4.5% Northern NSW 3 Central Coast 14,501 4.4% FNSW Metro 24 Willoughby 3,280 4.4% FNSW Metro 4 Blacktown 10,779 3.2% FNSW Metro 25 Shoalhaven 3,160 3.2% Southern Branch 5 Canterbury-Bankstown 10,343 3.0% FNSW Metro 26 Mid-Coast 3,140 3.5% Northern NSW 6 Lake Macquarie 10,040 5.1% Northern NSW 27 Canada Bay 3,078 3.5% FNSW Metro 7 Wollongong 8,712 4.3% FNSW Metro 28 Fairfield 2,992 1.5% FNSW Metro 8 Newcastle 8,694 5.6% Northern NSW 29 Blue Mountains 2,950 3.8% FNSW Metro 9 The Hills Shire 8,680 5.5% FNSW Metro 30 Port Macquarie-Hastings 2,704 3.4% Northern NSW 10 Hornsby 7,783 5.5% FNSW Metro 31 Sydney 2,658 1.3% FNSW Metro 11 Parramatta 7,075 3.1% FNSW Metro 32 Hawkesbury 2,600 4.0% FNSW Metro 12 Inner West 6,989 3.8% FNSW Metro 33 Port Stephens 2,474 3.6% Northern NSW 13 Penrith 6,929 3.5% FNSW Metro 34 Coffs Harbour 2,423 3.3% Northern NSW 14 Ku-ring-gai 6,489 5.5% FNSW Metro 35 Wagga Wagga 2,253 3.6% Riverina Branch 15 Liverpool 5,635 2.8% FNSW Metro 36 Shellharbour 2,235 3.3% FNSW Metro 16 Ryde 5,333 4.6% FNSW Metro 37 Dubbo Regional 2,233 4.5% Western Branch 17 Georges River 5,291 3.6% FNSW Metro 38 Wollondilly 2,220 4.6% FNSW Metro 18 Bayside 4,719 3.0% FNSW Metro 39 Tamworth Regional 2,209 3.7% Northern NSW 19 Campbelltown 4,435 2.8% FNSW Metro 40 Ballina 2,140 5.1% Northern NSW 20 Cumberland 4,383 2.0% FNSW Metro 41 North Sydney 1,963 2.9% FNSW Metro 21 Camden 4,339 5.5% FNSW Metro 42 Lismore 1,962 4.5% Northern NSW

94 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY APPENDIX 1

% Football % Football Registered Registered Participation Participation # Local Government Area Winter Football Region # Local Government Area Winter Football Region rate by rate by Players 2019 Players 2019 population population 43 Cessnock 1,935 3.5% Northern NSW 65 Strathfield 692 1.7% FNSW Metro 44 Bathurst 1,880 4.6% Western Branch 66 Singleton 679 3.0% Northern NSW 45 Lane Cove 1,801 5.0% FNSW Metro 67 Cabonne 569 4.3% Western Branch 46 Orange 1,718 4.3% Western Branch 68 Parkes 556 3.8% Western Branch 47 Waverley 1,693 2.5% FNSW Metro 69 Richmond Valley 554 2.4% Northern NSW 48 Clarence Valley 1,630 3.2% Northern NSW 70 Lithgow 522 2.5% Western Branch 49 Byron 1,600 5.1% Northern NSW 71 Hilltops 514 2.8% Southern Branch 50 Wingecarribee 1,581 3.3% Southern Branch 72 Bellingen 510 4.0% Northern NSW 51 Albury 1,309 2.6% Riverina Branch 73 Gunnedah 500 4.1% Northern NSW 52 Armidale Regional 1,264 4.3% Northern NSW 74 Nambucca 471 2.4% Northern NSW 53 Kempsey 1,078 3.7% Northern NSW 75 Dungog 467 5.2% Northern NSW 54 Griffith 1,077 4.2% Riverina Branch 76 Narrabri 464 3.5% Northern NSW 55 Mosman 1,046 3.7% FNSW Metro 77 Inverell 392 2.3% Northern NSW 56 Bega Valley 1,032 3.1% Southern Branch 78 Forbes 339 3.5% Western Branch 57 Goulburn Mulwaree 940 3.2% Southern Branch 79 Muswellbrook 337 2.1% Northern NSW 58 Eurobodalla 930 2.5% Southern Branch 80 Blayney 327 4.5% Western Branch 59 Woollahra 893 1.6% FNSW Metro 81 Moree Plains 327 2.5% Northern NSW 60 Kiama 878 4.1% FNSW Metro 82 Liverpool Plains 317 4.1% Northern NSW 61 Burwood 835 2.3% FNSW Metro 83 Cowra 316 2.5% Western Branch 62 Tweed 794 0.9% Northern NSW 84 Cootamundra-Gundagai 300 2.7% Riverina Branch 63 Hunters Hill 792 5.7% FNSW Metro 85 Kyogle 252 2.8% Northern NSW 64 Mid-Western Regional 716 3.0% Western Branch 86 Upper Hunter Shire 242 1.7% Northern NSW

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 95 APPENDIX 1

% Football % Football Registered Registered Participation Participation # Local Government Area Winter Football Region # Local Government Area Winter Football Region rate by rate by Players 2019 Players 2019 population population 87 Uralla 216 3.6% Northern NSW 109 Gwydir 38 0.7% Northern NSW 88 Snowy Valleys 215 1.5% Riverina Branch 110 Narrandera 24 0.4% Riverina Branch 89 Glen Innes Severn 214 2.4% Northern NSW 111 Edward River 20 0.2% Riverina Branch 90 Upper Lachlan Shire 162 2.1% Southern Branch 112 Federation 19 0.2% Riverina Branch 91 Narromine 160 2.5% Western Branch 113 Lockhart 16 0.5% Riverina Branch 92 Oberon 140 2.6% Western Branch 114 Carrathool 15 0.6% Riverina Branch 93 Junee 123 2.0% Riverina Branch 115 Queanbeyan-Palerang 13 0.1% Capital Football 94 Weddin 110 3.0% Western Branch 116 Bland 11 0.2% Western Branch 95 Leeton 107 1.0% Riverina Branch 117 Murrumbidgee 11 0.3% Riverina Branch 96 Temora 106 1.7% Riverina Branch 118 Walgett 9 0.1% Western Branch 97 Lachlan 103 1.6% Western Branch 119 Yass Valley 8 0.1% Capital Football 98 Warrumbungle Shire 97 1.0% Western Branch 120 Brewarrina 7 0.4% Western Branch 99 Greater Hume Shire 95 0.9% Riverina Branch 121 Snowy Monaro 5 0.0% Capital Football 100 Cobar 93 2.0% Western Branch 122 Berrigan 1 0.0% Riverina Branch 101 Tenterfield 77 1.1% Northern NSW 123 Central Darling 1 0.1% Western Branch 102 Coonamble 71 1.8% Western Branch 124 Hay 1 0.0% Riverina Branch 103 Bourke 69 2.6% Western Branch 125 Balranald 0 0.0% Riverina Branch 104 Warren 57 2.1% Western Branch 126 Broken Hill 0 0.0% Western Branch 105 Walcha 56 1.8% Northern NSW 127 Murray River 0 0.0% Riverina Branch 106 Gilgandra 51 1.2% Western Branch 128 Wentworth 0 0.0% Riverina Branch 107 Bogan 48 1.8% Western Branch 129 Unincorporated NSW 0 0.0% Western Branch 108 Coolamon 44 1.0% Riverina Branch

96 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY APPENDIX 2

Summary of future 2021-2031 participation demand projections by Local Government Area based on current 3.8% state participation rate, applied to 2031 projected population figures.

Predicted Potential market for new Predicted Potential market for new Population participants if current 3.8% Population participants if current 3.8% Local Government Area Local Government Area Growth 2021 – state average participation Growth 2021 – state average participation 2031 rate is applied 2031 rate is applied 1 Blacktown 113,624 4,318 22 Randwick 16,567 630 2 Parramatta 81,071 3,081 23 Newcastle 14,386 547 3 Liverpool 77,127 2,931 24 Ku-ring-gai 13,605 517 4 The Hills Shire 71,916 2,733 25 Wollondilly 12,241 465 5 Canterbury-Bankstown 67,669 2,571 26 Northern Beaches 12,206 464 6 Cumberland 63,129 2,399 27 Maitland 12,090 459 7 Penrith 61,730 2,346 28 Cessnock 11,932 453 8 Camden 52,425 1,992 29 Lake Macquarie 10,907 414 9 Ryde 41,305 1,570 30 Shellharbour 10,079 383 10 Central Coast 39,396 1,497 31 Hornsby 9,397 357 11 Campbelltown 32,314 1,228 32 Willoughby 9,200 350 12 Bayside 30,455 1,157 33 Hawkesbury 8,788 334 13 Sydney 29,867 1,135 34 North Sydney 8,644 328 14 Inner West 25,363 964 35 Port Macquarie-Hastings 8,526 324 15 Wollongong 23,862 907 36 Tweed 7,176 273 16 Fairfield 22,700 863 37 Shoalhaven 6,571 250 17 Burwood 19,182 729 38 Coffs Harbour 5,754 219 18 Georges River 18,460 701 39 Lane Cove 4,729 180 19 Sutherland Shire 17,901 680 40 Port Stephens 4,715 179 20 Canada Bay 17,593 669 41 Orange 4,649 177 21 Strathfield 17,430 662 42 Mid-Coast 4,221 160

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 97 APPENDIX 2

Predicted Potential market for new Predicted Potential market for new Population participants if current 3.8% Population participants if current 3.8% Local Government Area Local Government Area Growth 2021 – state average participation Growth 2021 – state average participation 2031 rate is applied 2031 rate is applied 43 Albury 3,785 144 67 Balranald 327 12 44 Armidale Regional 3,750 143 68 Clarence Valley 318 12 45 Queanbeyan-Palerang 3,530 134 69 Upper Lachlan Shire 302 11 46 Wagga Wagga 3,488 133 70 Forbes 235 9 47 Bathurst Regional 3,440 131 71 Mosman 220 8 48 Tamworth Regional 3,394 129 72 Dungog 169 6 49 Dubbo Regional 3,202 122 73 Cabonne 165 6 50 Byron 2,077 79 74 Bogan 143 5 51 Ballina 2,011 76 75 Inverell 128 5 52 Goulburn Mulwaree 1,465 56 76 Cowra 126 5 53 Wingecarribee 1,297 49 77 Gunnedah 117 4 54 Kiama 1,294 49 78 Berrigan 106 4 55 Mid-Western Regional 1,047 40 79 Blayney 95 4 56 Waverley 909 35 80 Bellingen 70 3 57 Griffith 899 34 81 Oberon 68 3 58 Muswellbrook 856 33 82 Coolamon 57 2 59 Blue Mountains 845 32 83 Singleton 50 2 60 Woollahra 819 31 84 Temora 37 1 61 Leeton 573 22 85 Lockhart -13 0 62 Nambucca 569 22 86 Parkes -13 0 63 Murray River 426 16 87 Bourke -22 -1 64 Richmond Valley 360 14 88 Hunters Hill -58 -2 65 Yass Valley 350 13 89 Central Darling -92 -3 66 Greater Hume Shire 334 13

98 NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY APPENDIX 2

Predicted Potential market for new Predicted Potential market for new Population participants if current 3.8% Population participants if current 3.8% Local Government Area Local Government Area Growth 2021 – state average participation Growth 2021 – state average participation 2031 rate is applied 2031 rate is applied 90 Murrumbidgee -97 -4 113 Liverpool Plains -426 -16 91 Bland -101 -4 114 Gilgandra -433 -16 92 Unincorporated NSW -105 -4 115 Tenterfield -447 -17 93 Carrathool -116 -4 116 Narromine -556 -21 94 Wentworth -119 -5 117 Upper Hunter Shire -579 -22 95 Lithgow -126 -5 118 Eurobodalla -683 -26 96 Brewarrina -153 -6 119 Kyogle -686 -26 97 Kempsey -164 -6 120 Cootamundra-Gundagai -717 -27 98 Gwydir -177 -7 121 Hilltops -799 -30 99 Junee -177 -7 122 Lismore -805 -31 100 Warren -189 -7 123 Federation -806 -31 101 Lachlan -193 -7 124 Warrumbungle Shire -836 -32 102 Walcha -199 -8 125 Snowy Valleys -880 -33 103 Cobar -233 -9 126 Glen Innes Severn -892 -34 104 Uralla -256 -10 127 Snowy Monaro Regional -1,019 -39 105 Hay -271 -10 128 Moree Plains -1,291 -49 106 Bega Valley -295 -11 129 Broken Hill -1,692 -64 107 Narrabri -303 -12 NSW TOTAL 1,145,589 43,532 108 Coonamble -306 -12 109 Edward River -312 -12 110 Weddin -336 -13 111 Narrandera -375 -14 Source: NSW 2019 Population Projections provided by the NSW Government(ASGS 2019 LGA 112 Walgett -397 -15 Projections)

NSW FOOTBALL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 99