Saturday, 2 February 2019 was a day of celebration for the Capricorn Coast Football Club as their recently-renovated facilities were unveiled in front of 200 members and dignitaries.
The club received a $200,000 grant from the Queensland Government as part of the Female Facilities Program to upgrade their change rooms, parents’ rooms and incorporate new unisex compliant facilities.
Under the leadership of Club President Kerry Gray and vibrant group of volunteers, the club has had a significant growth of 46% in the past four years in female participation with the aim of the renovated facilities to further increase that number.
“It will help our increase our juniors because it gives our parents the ability to come and watch the games and become more proactive,” Gray said.
“It will increase our women’s numbers because we are looking at doing a women’s social competition which means that they can now use the changing rooms afterwards.
“Before there was open showers, so not many were keen on showering, and a lot of females didn’t want to go in the changing rooms because they were so run-down.”
Community members kitted out in their orange and black as the Capricorn Coast FC showcased everything the club had to offer, including an ALDI MiniRoos come and try session, along with a senior display match.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and the support we had from current players and also the possible future players that came along to have to go,” Gray said.
“I was really proud of the work that our committee have done and achieved and the fact they were all there on the day and for the premier team coming along and giving up their Saturday morning and come along.
“I also just really loved seeing children participate in sport and the enjoyment that they get from it, it was a really rewarding experience to watch.”
Keppel MP Brittany Lauga assisted Gray with the official opening, while Livingston Shire Council Deputy Mayor and Club Patron Cr Nigel Hutton was also in attendance.
Football Queensland General Manager, Compliance, Operations and Game Development Brendon Boss and Infrastructure and Government Relations Consultant David O’Leary made the trip to Central Queensland, supported by local Regional Technical Officer Mark Delaney.
They were joined by Central Queensland Zone President Andrew Pelling and Central Queensland General Manager Jim Douglas from Football Central.
“It’s important to acknowledge that Football Queensland are doing a good job and that they are there to support us,” she said.
“Throughout the process they have been incredibly helpful of anything I’ve been asking of them and they helped us get the information we need.”
If your club is interested in getting involved and applying for grants, please contact David O’Leary at Football Queensland on infrastructure@footballqueensland.com.au, who can give you information on eligibility and the process involved.
Images: Supplied by Capricorn Coast Football Club
Words: Zoe Nilsen