The AFL has announced the successful recipients of the second round of its 2026 New South Wales Facilities Fund, with over $200K awarded to five projects across the state.
The awarding of funds from Round 2 of the initiative has seen the AFL distribute more than $880K to fund community facility projects across the state in 2026.
The AFL’s New South Wales Facilities Fund endeavours to provide communities with the means to enhance their facilities and grounds, ensuring the continued growth and inclusivity of Australian Rules Football at the grassroots level.
Clubs, schools, organisations and councils are invited to apply for the Facilities Fund to unlock vital funding for facility upgrades and improvements.
The latest investment will support projects in Wollongong, Glen Innes, Port Macquarie and Manly and range from upgrading changerooms to be gender-neutral, to lighting and field drainage enhancements. Successful venues include –
- Keira Oval, Wollongong (gender-neutral changeroom upgrade)
- King George Oval, Glenn Innes (changeroom upgrade and cricket pitch cover)
- Wayne Richards Park, Port Macquarie (gender-neutral changeroom upgrade)
- Weldon Oval, Manly (field drainage)
- North Dalton Park, Wollongong (lighting upgrade)
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said: “For Australian Rules Football to grow across New South Wales, it must be supported by quality facilities that are accessible, inclusive and capable of accommodating increasing demand.
“Through the AFL’s New South Wales Facilities Fund, we have been able to invest directly into community infrastructures and support projects that will make a tangible difference to participants, volunteers, clubs and their local communities.
“Importantly, this investment is not just about improving facilities for today. It is about building the capacity of our game for the future, creating more opportunities for people to play and ensuring our facilities keep pace with the continued growth of football across the state.
“We congratulate all five successful Round 2 recipients and look forward to seeing these projects come to life.”
In 2026, the AFL’s New South Wales Facilities Fund has supported five new venues, eight new gender-neutral changeroom upgrades and three lighting projects.
For more information about the AFL’s facility management and development, visit here.