AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon said:
“As the Festival of Footy returns to South Australia, Gather Round continues to deliver a lasting legacy beyond the elite game, driving investment into local clubs and communities through the South Australian Football Facilities Fund.
“With more than 100 projects supported and $96 million in total project value generated since its inception, the initiative is helping to ensure local clubs have the facilities to create inclusive, high-quality spaces for their communities.
“As the league strives to reach one million participants by 2033, I’d like to acknowledge and thank Premier Malinauskas and SANFL CEO Darren Chandler for their continued commitment to the South Australian Football Facilities Fund, and we look forward to seeing its ongoing impact.”
Minister for Recreation, Sport & Racing Rhiannon Pearce said:
“As well as being a great sporting, tourism and cultural event, Gather Round is leaving a tangible legacy to community football throughout South Australia, helping to get more children and young people off screens and more active.
“These infrastructure projects will support the next generation to chase their sporting dreams and give them a sense of community and belonging.
“The Malinauskas Government is pleased to partner with SANFL and the AFL to deliver this huge infrastructure initiative as part of the 2026 Gather Round.”
SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said:
“The South Australian Football Facilities Fund has brought the legacy of Gather Round to regional and metropolitan communities right across South Australia and that is something the SANFL is very proud of.
“We have an obligation to provide the best facilities possible to meet the needs of our players, umpires, administrators and spectators for many years to come, and encourage new participants to join their local club.
“It is important to emphasise that clubs right across the State have benefited from the Facilities Fund with over 50% of the funding allocated to regional areas.”