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The NSW Government’s 2023/24 budget will invest $30 million in improving grassroots sports facilities to encourage participation among growth of women and girls through a new Level the Playing Field program.

With a budget that commits to a $4 billion improvement in NSW’s finances over four years, the Level the Playing Field program will allow grassroots sporting groups to access funding to upgrade and build sporting facilities for women and girls in their local communities.

The program is expected to fund 100 new and upgraded facilities and will contribute to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for women and girls to train and play, by delivering fit-for-purpose facilities and amenities such as change rooms, accessibility improvements, and improved lighting.

As part of the budget, the NSW Government is also delivering on pre-election commitment to support local community and school sports through a number of other initiatives.

The Football in Schools Program in Western Sydney will also receive $14.5 million, partnering with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur Bulls to support local school sporting teams.

The Central Coast will receive $3.7 million to improve football infrastructure and programs.

This will include a synthetic playing field in Tuggerah, as well as training facilities for the new Central Coast Mariners A-Leagues Women’s team.

Funding for these projects will be matched by the Central Coast Mariners.

This funding also includes $1 million for the Central Coast Mariners community programs for at-risk youth and disadvantaged adults.

The budget will more than double funding for state sponsored organisations (SSOs), including as Football NSW and Sport NSW, from $2.45 million to $5 million in 2023/24, and $10 million in 2024/25 and 2025/26.

The NSW Government will roll out a new means-tested $50 Active and Creative Kids voucher in February 2024.

Penrith Stadium
The budget also confirms plans to deliver $309 million to the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium with a commitment that the final project scope will be considered in the 2024/25 budget year.

A small amount of funding has been set aside in this Budget year for planning.

The budget papers advised “redevelopment of Penrith Stadium will turn it into a word-class suburban sport, entertainment and community venue.”

Construction will likely begin after the 2024 NRL season.

Images: Grassroots women's sports facilities will benefit from the NSW Government’s new Level the Playing Field program (top) and the 2013 concept for the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium (below).

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