The NSW Government is continuing to invest in grassroots sporting organisations and championing women’s participation is sport with the opening of the Level the Playing Field Program and Organisation Sport Program.
From today, up to $30 million is available to providers of grassroots sport through the Level the Playing Field Program to support the continued growth of women’s and girls’ sport and recreation off the back of the Matildas’ success in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The program will fund new and upgraded facilities as well as deliver fit-for-purpose amenities, such as change rooms and improved lighting, to foster a safe and inclusive environment for women and girls.
The NSW Government has also doubled the funding available to state sporting organisations, with $5 million aimed at supporting organisations to increase participation of in sport and recreation, with greater incentives for increasing female participation in sport both on and off the field.
Both grant programs are now open for applications.
Level the Playing Field Program applications will close at 1pm on Thursday 30 November 2023.
Organisation Support Program applications will close at 2pm on Friday 11 November 2023.
To apply, visit:
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The Matildas have changed the landscape of women’s sport forever and this funding will ensure the momentum continues across all codes.
“Research shows that girls start to lose interest in sport and physical activity during their teens. Factors that can influence their decision to withdraw from sport include the quality of facilities and whether the environment is inclusive.
“Our aim is to nurture the lifelong participation of girls in sport by delivering fit-for-purpose facilities and amenities so that women and girls of all ages feel comfortable, safe and welcome.”
NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:
“Watching the Matildas during the recent Women’s World Cup really galvanised the nation and put a fire in the belly of women and girls to get involved in sport.
“But we know women face different barriers to men when participating in sport. This is an important announcement which demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to levelling the playing field and backing female participation in sport.”
Chairman Sports NSW Chris Hall said:
“The increased funding through the Organisation Support Program is vital to ensuring our sporting codes can swiftly respond to emerging trends and challenges as well as increase participation across the state.
“It is particularly important that state sporting organisations are supported to build capacity so they can increase diversity and grow participation in NSW.
“Community sport builds connected, healthy and active communities – which would not be possible without the support of the NSW Government.”