Football South Australia has welcomed the announcement of a $2.47m investment into women’s football in Mount Gambier, which will see the construction of a new purpose-built football facility at Tenison Woods College as part of the Power of Her Infrastructure and Participation Program.


The announcement was made last week by the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, Football South Australia chief executive Michael Carter and Tenison Woods Principal David Mezinec.


In announcing the project, authorities said the Mount Gambier project represents the largest investment of the 41 successful applicants funded through the program and reflects the continued growth of women’s football across regional South Australia.


The new facility will include a FIFA-certified synthetic pitch, LED lighting achieving 350 lux, four unisex changerooms, kitchen facilities, coaches’ boxes, storage and four multipurpose courts, providing a high-quality environment for participation, development and community use.


Mr Carter said the project would have a transformative impact on football in the Limestone Coast region.


“The partnership with Tenison Woods College, the Blue Lake Rangers Soccer Club and the entire community within the Limestone Coast has resulted in this significant investment from the State Government,” he said


“The impact on football in the region will be profound. Tenison Woods College has approximately 1300 students and all of them will have the opportunity to play and experience the region’s first synthetic surface.


“After school ours the venue will become a community space capable of hosting major events. I would like to thank Catholic Education and school principal David Mezinec for their support in bringing the proposal to life through a substantial investment.”


Mr Mezinec praised the grant announcement.


“This grant is a fantastic opportunity for Tenison Woods College and the wider community,” he said.


“The new football facility will deliver high-quality spaces for our students while also creating a shared facility that can be enjoyed by local sporting groups, benefiting young people across the region.”


The Mount Gambier development forms part of a broader funding round that will see more than $6.1m invested into football (soccer) across South Australia, supporting 18 football clubs and organisations through infrastructure, programs and equipment initiatives.


The Power of Her program was established to ensure the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continues, helping to grow a more inclusive and accessible sporting landscape for girls and women across the state.