A Malinauskas Government initiative aimed at empowering girls and women in sport will see local sporting clubs and organisations across South Australia share in a record $9.1 million in funding.
A total of 41 clubs have been funded through The Power of Her infrastructure and participation program, marking the largest funding round in the program's history.
The funding will support the delivery of safe, accessible spaces, programs and equipment that encourage female participation and meet the current and future needs of South Australian girls and women.
The Power of Her was originally launched to ensure the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup continues, helping to grow a more inclusive sporting landscape for girls and women across the state.
Other sports supported through the program include golf, surfing, tennis, netball, basketball and Australian Rules football.
Reflecting the continued growth of girls' and women's football (soccer), this funding round will provide more than $6.1 million to support 18 football clubs across South Australia.
The benefits will be felt statewide, with 65 per cent of infrastructure stream recipients located in greater metropolitan and regional areas.
Organisations and projects funded include:
- Football SA – receiving $2,470,000 to construct a new football facility including FIFA Certified Synthetic Pitch, LED lighting achieving 350 lux, four unisex changerooms, kitchen, coaches' boxes, storage and four multipurpose courts at Tenison Woods College, Mount Gambier.
- Renmark Olympic Soccer Club – receiving $1,195,400 to construct four new unisex changerooms and amenities, umpires' room, clubroom, kitchen and canteen at Renmark Olympic Soccer Club, Renmark.
- Adelaide Hills Dressage Club – receiving $83,100 to construct three new Olympic sized dressage arenas at Strathalbyn Polo & Recreation Grounds, Strathalbyn.
- Walkerville Football Club – receiving $11,900 to establish a senior women's team in 2026 to increase female participation at the Walkerville Football Club.
This funding rounds out the State Government's $18 million commitment to ensure the Matildas' history-making FIFA Women's World Cup campaign will leave a lasting impact in South Australia.
The full list of grant recipients is available here.
As put by Rhiannon Pearce
Achieving gender equality in sport requires action which is why our government is backing clubs with the infrastructure, programs and equipment that allow girls and women to participate safely, confidently and on their own terms.
The Power of Her is a key part of that commitment, helping turn the momentum sparked by the Matildas into long-term opportunities across South Australia.
With clubs delivering innovative and inclusive projects through the IPP, participation grows, leadership pathways strengthen and entire communities' benefit.
As put by Michael Carter, CEO, Football SA
The Power of Her fund has demonstrated a great commitment to the growth of women and girls in sport and in particular Football.
The partnership with the Malinauskas Government has had a direct impact on 42 Clubs who provide opportunities to women and girls within Football.
The investment has unlocked millions of dollars in funding from Local Government, educational institutions and clubs. Football South Australia is proud to forge partnerships to maximise funding from the State Government for the benefit of the entire football community.
