ACT Community Football Facility Fund (CFFF)

There are 33 AFL facilities used for community football across the ACT inclusive of 48 ovals, with the majority of these owned and managed by the ACT Government. AFL Canberra clubs share our facilities vision Towards 2030 and want to provide an inclusive experience, host night matches to accommodate female growth and enable flexible fixturing across the competition. 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Australian Rules Football in Canberra.

Under the Sports Facility Auditor (SFA) scoring, the ACT currently trail the nation with an average facility audit score of 53% of the AFL’s Preferred Community Facility Guidelines. Of the 33 AFL facilities, 21 are classed as local level facilities with the main compliance issues around lack of suitable lighting and change rooms.

In recognising the current state and issues of facilities within the ACT the National Facilities Panel have allocated an initial $1M funding in the development of the ACT Community Football Facilities Fund (ACT CFFF).

Importantly the ACT CFFF programs objectives align closely with many of the Key projects, Outcomes and Indicators of Success across the four strategic objectives of the ACT Government’s Next Move, Sport & Recreation Strategy 2023-2028 which has been developed to underpin decisions made by the ACT Government such as where they focus, invest and areas where they can pursue partnership opportunities.  

The ACT CFFF’s aim and objectives will guide the NSW ACT Facilities Funding Steering Committee and AFL National Facilities Panel in the allocation of funds towards specific projects and to measure the impact that proposals may have on our sport within the ACT.

Through this program construction projects totalling $750k will be funded, along with the development of the ACT Facilities - 2030 Planning document ($50K) and the allocation of a further $200k for individual venue upgrade plans.  The planning document and individual venue upgrade plans then provides the detail and direction to seek and lobby additional partnership funding through the ACT Government and other partners in the short to medium term.

The ACT CFFF will assist ACT clubs and stakeholders to develop AFL related infrastructure at ACT located venues in order to meet the required needs and have the capacity to grow the game with a particular focus on developing some of the key basic infrastructure required for community football growth and development such as change rooms and lighting.

Each community venue is audited annually to measure against our preferred standards for the level of football being played there. When combined with demographic and participation mapping and data systems, our staff and club volunteers are empowered to collaborate with the ACT Government authorities, landowners and others to plan collaboratively and effectively for the future health of our game.

The ACT CFFF has been developed specifically recognizing the need for improved community AFL facilities across many venues in the ACT, especially around increasing ground capacity with new and improved lighting, creating and upgrading changerooms and providing direction and support for ACT AFL clubs to commence and progress through the planning process for facility development.

Importantly the ACT CFFF programs objectives align closely with many of the Key projects, Outcomes and Indicators of Success across the four strategic objectives of the ACT Government’s Next Move, Sport & Recreation Strategy 2023-2028 which has been developed to underpin decisions made by the ACT Government such as where they focus, invest and areas where they can pursue partnership opportunities.  

The ACT CFFF’s aim and objectives will guide the NSW ACT Facilities Funding Steering Committee and AFL National Facilities Panel in the allocation of funds towards specific projects and to measure the impact that proposals may have on our sport within the ACT.

• Provide required, inclusive and accessible facilities that cater for the diversity of participants, particularly female participants, that wish to participate in our game.
• Maximise available carrying capacity of existing venues and the quality / functionality of field of play supporting infrastructure.
• Develop increased supply through construction of new ovals, in a variety of traditional or innovative settings.
• Enable planning and project partnerships to form with a range of government and non government bodies to result in an improved quantity, quality and welcoming venue network for Australian football.
• Promotes partnerships in the development, funding, operations and funding of facilities.

Support the planning and provision of welcoming, accessible, fit for purpose football facilities that support our growing game’s strategic priorities and address the community AFL venue needs across the ACT.

Funding under this program is available under two streams:

1. Project construction - To partner various levels of government, other sport user groups, sponsors, local community and business organisations, land developers, club foundations, and/or other strategic partners to contribute towards construction of existing or provision of new football facilities.
2. Venue upgrade plans - This would include the funding of AFL venue planning with the view to the construction of elements which meets the criteria of this program. This would include funding of venue upgrade plans, initial site investigations development approvals, concept and detailed plans. Clubs successful in obtaining funds through the Project Planning Stream are eligible to apply again at a later date through the Project construction stream.

It is important that project proposals have been discussed with relevant ACT Government staff including details of planning approvals required and potential restrictions to ensure the feasibility of the project and they are aware of and have encouraged you to complete this application.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Development of new football ovals and amenities, both in traditional and more innovative settings.
• Upgrades to player and umpire change facilities and amenities, particularly conversion to accessible and welcoming female friendly change facilities.
• Playing surface upgrades and extensions of the playing area.
• Football lighting installations or upgrades.
• The upgrade or development of multi-use facilities where football is a key user/beneficiary.