Football Queensland (FQ)’s vision to become a leader in women’s sport has received a major boost, with Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman announcing a $500,000 grant for the Clem Jones Field at Meakin Park.
Under the state government’s new Female Facilities Program, the funding will be used to upgrade nine changing rooms and referees rooms at Meakin Park, including 29 new unisex shower cubicles and 10 unisex toilets.
The inclusive facilities will assist FQ meet the current and future needs of local female footballers, continuing the extensive work currently being undertaken to increase female registrations across the state.
“This is great for all our local women and girl footballers with Football Queensland’s Clem Jones Field at Meakin Park’s facilities about to get a major boost,” Minister Fentiman said.
“These upgraded dressing rooms will help boost the women’s game in our community which continues growing each year.
“The Female Facilities Program is all about meeting the current and future needs of women and girls to encourage them to get out and get active.”
FQ Chief Executive Officer Richard Griffiths thanked the Queensland Government for the funding.
“Today’s announcement is the start of the process of making Meakin Park the home of women’s football,” Griffiths said.
“To be a leader in women’s sport, we must support the growth in participation numbers of female footballers and ensure all footballers have the ability to reach their potential.
“This announcement comes at an ideal time in our strategic planning, including the upcoming release of our Statewide Facilities Strategic Plan.
“Queensland has a proud history of producing some of Australia’s best female footballers, including Clare Polkinghorne, Tameka Butt and Katrina Gorry.
“Initiatives such as the Female Football Program, alongside the work we are doing at Football Queensland in this area, will allow us to continue this tradition.”
Pictured (left to right): Kerry Hammersley (Female Participation Officer), Jade Willis (U15s State Team Representative), Shannon Docherty (U15s State Team Representative), Rachel Dudley (U15s State Team Representative), Keva Culkin (U14s State Team Representative), Hon. Shannon Fentiman (MP), Rae Dower (Head Coach Westfield Junior Matildas), Richard Griffiths (FQ CEO)