Media Releases

13 May 2008 - Increased Support For Football Federation Of Australia

The Australian Government will provide $16 million over two years to promote participation in and support for football (soccer) in Australia.

The Rudd Government will provide $16.0 million over two years to promote participation in and support for football in Australia.

The funding to the Football Federation of Australia includes support for a televised national womens league and is on top of existing four-year funding of $16.0 million.

There are currently more than 450,000 registered soccer players in Australia, the Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, said. Community facilities need to be able to support the growing number of children who wish to participate in the game.

Promoting participation in and support for football in Australia was one of our key election commitments in the sport and recreation area. It aligns closely with the Governments strategy to promote physical and mental health for Australians by increasing their participation in physical and recreational activities.

Evidence suggests that current facilities are insufficient to meet the demands of the growing number of children who want to play football. This funding is a major step in rectifying this situation.

The funding to the Football Federation of Australia will include financial assistance to facilitate Australias participation in the Asian Football Confederation and other international events.

Success at the international level is important in the establishment of role models for children and to improve the standard of local competition, Ms Ellis said.

In supporting a televised national womens league, the Government aims to spotlight womens football. Participation by women in football is less than 20 per cent that of men.

Ms Ellis said the funding would benefit grassroots football clubs; national teams participating in the Asian Football Federation; Australian women who aspire to play football; and the more than 100,000 coaches, administrators, referees and volunteers who support the code.

The funding has been allocated over two years from 2007-08.