As the football grassroots playing numbers continue to grow close to 300,000 players across NSW, the demand for quality facilities and particularly synthetic playing surfaces continues beyond the current supply.
That was just one of many challenges which came under the spotlight at Football NSW’s second annual Football Facilities Forum.
More than 170 members of the football family including 35 Local and State Government representatives took part in presentations, panel discussions and shared their experiences on a wide variety of facilities topics.
Topics including the latest trends in synthetic fields and their maintenance, modular amenities blocks, LED Lighting and the importance of engagement with Government and local councils.
The forum was held in football HQ, Valentine Sports Park.
More than 100 organisations, 17 football clubs and associations from NSW as well as representatives from Football Federation Australia, Football Queensland, Football Federation Victoria and Football West all took part this year.
The forum highlighted the importance football – whether winter outdoor, summer competitions or indoor – plays in local communities and the social, health and economic impact on the State’s economy.
The integral partnership between grassroots Football Clubs and associations with their local councils and the vital part State and Local Governments play in the continual investment in community sporting facilities was emphasised.
Football NSW’s CEO Eddie Moore was overwhelmed with the outcome the Football Facilities Forum provided to all in attendance.
“Football NSW has made a significant investment in leadership, knowledge sharing, advocacy and support of our membership in this key area of our game,’’ Mr Moore said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Our facilities department has had a huge year, helping our members with more than 80 facilities improvement projects and we anticipate a huge 12 months ahead with potential changes at local councils and a federal election on the horizon.[/social_quote]
“This year’s attendance reflects the importance and demand for quality football facilities and the key role Local and State Government plays in developing the infrastructure to meet the future needs of football.
“We also released our new website which is a fantastic online resource for all football stakeholders. It includes detailed information on a wide variety of facilities subjects and a number of facilities guides on topics including synthetic fields, grass field maintenance, lighting, and project management.”
Presentations from a number of leading synthetic field experts took place with Greenplay, HG Sports Turf, Polytan, Tiger Turf and Turf One all offering their knowledge on the latest in synthetic surfaces.
Smart Connection Consultancy also presented its FIFA Evaluation and Testing Update on the day while Hornsby Shire Council and Pennant Hills FC discussed ways in which clubs could better engage with their local councils.
Defib for Life put together a thorough presentation on defibrillators at sports grounds while Park Sheds went through its study on modular amenities blocks.
Jasstech Solutions conveyed its messaging around LED lighting for football fields while Sports Clean ran through a live synthetic field grooming demonstration.
