An almost $3 billion investment is needed future-proof football in Australia, including funding for a upgraded stadium in Brisbane and a new national competition.
Football Australia has outlined a 10-year plan which includes policy proposals to strengthen the sport through strategic partnerships with all levels of government.
Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac said with 1.91 million participants and 3300 active clubs nationwide, football was played in every postcode and every community.
“However, a growing infrastructure gap – estimated at $2.8 billion – now threatens the game’s ability to meet demand and fulfil its role to support grassroots participation, communities and elevate football from local pitches to the world stage,” Mr Isaac said.
He said the 23 new policy proposals outlined a unified agenda to government across Member Federations, the Australian Professional Leagues, local football clubs, and various stakeholders.
“(They) set out clear investments across infrastructure, social and development programs, regulatory reform to ensure football remains a leading force in community participation, social cohesion, and on the global stage.”
Mr Isaac said key funding and regulatory priorities in the policy proposals included:
- $1.56 billion from the next Federal Government, to establish a 10-year infrastructure program for community sport to deliver equitable and inclusive changerooms across the country, particularly to meet the rapid growth in women’s football.
- $851 million from all State and Territory Governments, to establish a 10-year infrastructure program for community sport to address the lighting facilities gap to increase access and playing hours.
- $391 million, over five years, to address pitch drainage and weather resilience in the face of climate change.
- $50 million to establish a National Football Headquarters, including a world-class High-Performance Centre, a Football Museum, and facilities to host international teams.
- Investment in State Homes of Football, including expansion of existing Homes of Football, as well as the establishment of the Tasmanian Home of Football, Capital Home of Football and the Home of Football Mid North Coast.
He said in addition to grassroots infrastructure, Football Australia was seeking support to advance Australia’s global leadership in football through:
- $1 million in seed funding to launch the Australian Championship—a new National Second Tier that strengthens the pathway between grassroots and professional football.
- Support for a streamlined bidding process to attract future major international tournaments.
- Investment in a 17,000-seat boutique stadium at Perry Park, Brisbane, as a flagship football venue for the 2032 Olympics.
- Enhanced backing for sports diplomacy initiatives across Asia and the Pacific, leveraging football’s reach to build stronger regional ties.
“Securing Our Football Future embodies the voices of millions who pour their heart and soul into football every day – from grassroots volunteers lining pitches at dawn, to our Member Federations, professional leagues, and the nearly 4,000 community clubs thriving in every corner of Australia.”
Football Queensland CEO Rob Cavallucci said Government support was vital to upgrade fields and amenities, ensuring safe, all-weather spaces.
“Our proposal for a new stadium at Perry Park will be a cornerstone of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games legacy, helping increase the professionalism of the game in Queensland with a purpose-built venue for rectangular sports.”
