Newsletter December 2019
BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE KNOWLEDGE THROUGH EDUCATION Northern NSW Football and The Facilities & Advocacy Unit held the annual Football Facilities Forum, which is designed to help build the capacity of Zones and Football Clubs by growing the knowledge around what key components are required to upgrade infrastructure projects. The morning session of the forum was split into two groups with one stream focussing upon grant writing skills. Grants play a critical role in providing financial assistance to local clubs to upgrade infrastructure projects, but volunteers often do not have the time or capacity to apply for them. This workshop provided an insight into the various grant opportunities and key processes of how to be successful in grant submissions.
GROW, DEVELOP & PROMOTE THE GAME
THIS ISSUE
The other two streams conducted in the morning concentrated on ground maintenance tips and field marking product information. The 2018 Football Facilities Audit shows 52% of fields were below playing
standards. Football clubs and local councils are seeking to keep their playing surfaces in the best possible condition, but constraints such as budgets, funding, high usage/traffic and adverse weather are continuing to make it difficult to have a quality field year-round. The afternoon sessions continued to build upon playing field infrastructure by covering topics around irrigation and floodlighting, whilst also highlighting a football specific grant to assist clubs in improving their football facilities and improve the overall football experience for their members and stakeholders through the Northern NSW Football Facilities Fund. Irrigation and/or drainage plays a critical part in the process of obtaining a quality field, but the facilities audit shows 45% of fields do not have irrigation and/or drainage. Better understanding of irrigation design around poor construction, lack of effective maintenance and overuse of the pitch will, eventually, lead to poor drainage and unacceptable
02 MODULAR IS THE PERFECT FIT FOR SPORTING CLUBS
03 PIDDING PARK NEW AMENITY BUILDING
04 ASIAN CUP 2015 PROJECT UPDATE - NEW AMENITIES WILL BE A GAME CHANGER
05 NNSWF FACILITIES FUND APPLICATIONS OPEN
06 DELIVERING A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT: STEP 1 – SCOPE OF WORK
07 DROUGHT DEEPENS ACROSS THE STATE
08 SYNTHETIC FIELD UPDATE
continued from page 1
week along with night competition matches.
playing conditions. It is essential that pitches be designed taking account of the estimated intensity of use.
Funding is seen as a major hurdle in getting infrastructure projects completed. The Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) Facilities Fund is now open providing a fantastic opportunity for clubs to improve their facilities for club members and their community. The NNSWF Facilities Fund is an initiative which has been established to provide funding assistance to football clubs to partner with councils, government and local stakeholders to improve the quality, availability, accessibility and safety of their facilities.
Having good drainage is a key requirement of a well-maintained grass field and a naturally well-drained site will form a sound basis for a playing surface. To assist in improving the turf quality, water efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation systems (surface and sub-surface) and/or automatic systems may be considered. Floodlighting remains one of the key areas of infrastructure that require upgrading as 32% of fields across the state do not have floodlighting. Adequate lighting for football fields is now an essential element in the ongoing viability of any venue as it can night training sessions during the
The fund closes at 5pm, 31 March 2020. For further information regarding infrastructure support and NNSWF Facilities Fund guidelines, visit www.footballfacilities.com.au.
MODULAR IS THE PERFECT FIT FOR SPORTING CLUBS Ausco Modular has partnered with Football NSW and Northern NSW Football to deliver modular sporting facilities that meet the needs of the community from a design, cost, quality and project delivery perspective.
BENEFITS OF AN AUSCO MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
The lower build cost, significant time-savings and end-to-end project management make Ausco Modular sporting facilities perfect for clubs where administrative and playing resources are already stretched.
• Significantly less site and community disruption
• Local contacts to work with clubs and councils to devise perfect fit solutions
• Surety of price, quality and program • Changerooms available sooner • Fully compliant with community sport facility standards • Full turnkey services from Ausco’s in-house design team to on-site installation • Energy efficient and cost-effective maintenance for lower lifespan costs • Ideal for difficult, sloping or tight sites.
CASE STUDY – COLLEGE AND COUNCIL COLLABORATION FOR NEW COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Learn more here.
PREFERRED MODULAR SUPPLIER
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PIDDING PARK NEW AMENITY BUILDING Ryde Saints United FC, from the newly formed North West Sydney Football Association (former Gladesville Hornsby FA) are now the recipients of a new $1.3 million amenities building at Pidding Park thanks to the City of Ryde. The new amenities building replaces an existing split-level building that was constructed almost 50 years ago in 1971. The old building had deteriorated over time and did not meet the needs of a football club in the 21st century. The facility was also not accessible or usable by visitors to the park with mobility issues. The recent state-wide facilities audit highlighted amenity buildings as a major issue for community football across the entire state.
Before
Upgrades like Pidding Park will go a long way in improving the comfort level of all football participants into the future. The new amenities building offers a safe and useable facility that caters for the future needs of all user groups and participants. The new building includes two multipurpose change rooms, public toilets, canteen facility and large volumes of internal and external storage. A new amenities building will allow the club to grow and attract new participants to the club. Ryde is a strong football area with participation numbers higher than the state average. Almost 5% of the City of Ryde participate in football during the winter season.
After
The design encourages natural lighting and cross-ventilation to minimise the energy footprint and incorporates an allowance for future solar power supply. The construction took place over the first half of the year with the job completed in July 2019. Football congratulates City of Ryde for investing in much needed sporting infrastructure in Ryde and we look forward to working with Council, the North West Sydney FA and local clubs in continuing the development and upgrade of football facilities in the City of Ryde in the future.
(Pictures Courtesy of City of Ryde)
from the Facilities & Advocacy Unit
FOOTBALL FACILITIES | FACILITIES & ADVOCACY UNIT | DECEMBER 2019 NEWSLETTER | 03
ASIAN CUP 2015 PROJECT UPDATE - NEW AMENITIES WILL BE A GAME CHANGER The 41-year-old amenities block at Harrison Park has had a much-needed facelift, with the newly refurbished facility officially opened by Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM, Councillors and representative from the Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association. Harrison Park is home to the Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association and is one of the premier soccer fields in the Central West. However, the amenities were in desperate need of refurbishment. Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said “these upgrades will certainly be a game changer for local soccer. There are more than 500 registered players, as well as spectators and family members who regularly use these facilities. The grounds are also used by Parkes and District Cricket Association, so the benefits will be shared around the community.” “The new amenities will improve safety, hygiene and accessibility, and provide Parkes with the necessary infrastructure to host regional and state championships,” Cr Keith said, “this will benefit our local sporting groups, as well as the local economy.” The new facility features two spacious change rooms, eight additional toilets, and additional facilities for disabled/ambulant access. The change rooms provide direct access to shower facilities, which can be closed to the public when required. The new amenities block has been designed for maximum ventilation while still being sheltered from the weather, and also features a new referee room, and accessible parent change room. Energy and water efficiencies
include timed taps and bubbler, LED lighting on timed sensors, and drinking bottle refill stations. The works were managed by Parkes Shire Council’s Building and Projects Officer Bart Ingram and delivered by local building contractor Rodney Barnes. Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association’s President, Wayne Osborne said “the new facilities will give Parkes a competitive edge when bidding to host future sporting events.” “We are looking to apply for some rounds of the Western Youth League, and following that State titles. Council is investing in the playing surfaces and sealing work on the car parks, so we will end up with a premier product,” Mr Osborne continued. “It’s great for the players, and great for the town.”
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Cr Ken Keith said that the upgrades really were a team effort. “I would like to extend my thanks to the NSW Government and Football NSW for their generous support which made these upgrades possible,” he said. The works were funded by the NSW Government, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football and proudly co-funded by Parkes Shire Council and the Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association. (Story amended from Parkes Shire Council).
ROUND 2 ASIAN CUP 2015 LEGACY FUND Shoalhaven District Football Association (SDFA) were successful in Round 2 of the NSW Asian Cup Legacy Fund. This video highlights how the SDFA have used the funds for the upgrade of its spectator seating at Ison Park in Nowra.
NNSWF FACILITIES FUND APPLICATIONS OPEN Applications for Northern NSW Football’s (NNSWF) Facilities Fund are now open providing a fantastic opportunity for clubs to improve their facilities for club members and their community. The NNSWF Facilities Fund is an initiative which has been established to provide funding assistance to football clubs to partner with councils, government and local stakeholders to improve the quality, availability, accessibility and safety of their facilities. The Program aims to assist clubs in improving their football facilities and in turn increase participation, improve safety and security, assist in building stronger communities through football and improve the overall football experience for their members and stakeholders. Project partnerships are encouraged, and identification of all project partners is required
(e.g. Local Government Authorities, State Government, Schools, other sports, other landowners, local business partnerships). Applicants need to provide a copy of landowner’s consent where the project will occur on land that is not owned by the club. A declaration from council is required where there is a partnership with council. This may include a letter of support, a letter outlining lease arrangements or support for favourable conditions for the club. Total funding made available by NNSWF is $325,000 with a minimum of $20,000 and maximum of $100,000 matched funding. For examples of eligible projects, please refer to the fund guidelines. The primary objectives of the NNSWF Facilities Fund is to: • Provide more opportunities for more participants to play more football, more often; • Improve the football experience for players,
referees, coaches and volunteers; • Address issues which undermine the safety of participants; and • Promote inclusive football opportunities within clubs.
HOW TO APPLY There are four steps in the application process: 1. Download or print the fund guidelines 2. Read the guidelines for information about the program, determine if your project is eligible and familiarise yourself with the program process and requirements 3. Complete the online application 4. Submit the application by the closing date and time. Applications close: 5pm March 31, 2020 GUIDELINES • APPLICATION FORM
Please direct enquiries about your application to: NNSWF Senior Officer – Club Development – 02 49 417 205 or rhicks@northernnswfootball.com.au Please direct enquiries about the Facilities Fund generally to: NSW Facilities & Advocacy Unit – 1300 213 771
FOOTBALL FACILITIES | FACILITIES & ADVOCACY UNIT | DECEMBER 2019 NEWSLETTER | 05
DELIVERING A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT: STEP 1 – SCOPE OF WORK The Facilities & Advocacy Unit are featuring a series of quarterly articles outlining the steps required to ensure a successful infrastructure project. In the first of the series, The Facilities & Advocacy Unit explain the importance of preparation and planning. Each football club’s infrastructure project begins with a great idea. It may be one borne out of a specific need such as servicing current members/attracting more participants, national and state governing body Strategic Plans, or a local authority needing to improve its facility infrastructure. Having a great idea marks the beginning of the project journey – but the first real step is to come up with a great plan and document the vision.
PREPARATION Have you ever heard the phrase – by failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail? Well, this isn’t just true when it comes to life. It’s also crucial when it comes to infrastructure projects. You could have the best idea in the world, but if you don’t have a game plan, it’s not going to work out. After all, a football team doesn’t go into a big game without tactics and a strategy – so why would you attempt to execute your idea without a plan? One of the key aspects of the preparation stage is to gather data about the club. Being able to document the clubs governance, history/background and participation details will help define the goals/objectives and basis for the infrastructure upgrade, whilst also allowing the club to analyse the existing membership.
PLANNING The planning process provides the critical information to inform effective outcomes. Planning should begin early on, be evidence based, transparent, consultative and flexible. The focus needs to be on developing the right areas to get the best results. When it comes to infrastructure, that means a greater emphasis needs to be placed on the planning phase. A key step in the planning phase is to highlight the exact location of where the site is based. For example, what council the site resides within. It is also important to know exactly what infrastructure currently exists at the site. In the first instance a basic audit/ analysis of the site should be conducted outlining the entire infrastructure features across the site. For example, number of fields, floodlighting type/LUX, amenities etc. The audit should be used as the evidence and basis to provide the informed decision of what infrastructure upgrades are required at the site within the short- and long-term vision. For example, if the audit shows the site has less than 50 LUX floodlighting then it is not safe to train at night and will restrict the club’s ability to host night competition matches. Planning is one of the most important phases of the project. Here is a useful list of things to consider: • Engage with the local authority planning/ sport and recreation department to assess the viability of the project from a planning perspective. • Engage with the local Football Association and use relevant statistical/strategic information. • Engage with the State Governing Body for Football to use information from the
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relevant Infrastructure Strategic Plan and Participation Data – following this guidance will offer a solid base for a successful project. The Facilities & Advocacy Unit has created a Club Facility Project Plan (CFPP) which can be used as a template for football clubs across NSW to upgrade infrastructure projects. The template serves as a document that will clearly describe and articulate who a club is and what infrastructure projects a club may have. The document will guide and assist with the clubs funding applications and provide a presentable format to approach all levels of government, members and sponsors. Click on the image to view the Club Facility Project Plan.
DROUGHT DEEPENS ACROSS THE STATE Parts of New South Wales are facing tougher water restrictions (level 2) and the state is experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record.
the drains start to flow then you have applied too much. If you have heavily cracked clay soils, apply water slowly otherwise water will simply flow down the cracks and away from the turf plants.
In order to have quality, fit for purpose turf fields managing these playing surfaces during this period will be critical for communities to participate in football, which in return will help support their social, physical and mental health.
9. N ever irrigate during the heat of the day - Ideally water should be applied late evening or overnight. When the sun is down, evapotranspiration is reduced which allows more water to get deeper into the soil – it is much more efficient. Most of the water applied during the heat of the day will evaporate or transpire.
The restrictions prevent the watering of sports pitches using hosepipes connected to a mains (drinking) water supply. With 2,284 football fields across the state, what can be done to ensure that we can still play football in a quality and safe environment? The answer is a combination of short-term coping measures and longer-term strategic investment.
10. C onsider only watering the minimum number of pitches possible – it could be that keeping one or two pitches well watered is better than watering 3-4 pitches insufficiently. Look at your fixture load and any potential closure periods such as summer holidays.
All sports clubs and councils have their role to play in conserving water. Clean water for drinking and bathing is essential for all of us and it is important not to damage the environment by excessive use. It is really important that water is not wasted, particularly during a drought. Using water wisely and adapting the way we do things are all ways that football can help reduce pressure on water resources during a drought and still provide participation. The following tips look at some short and longer-term steps that can be taken to manage water during this and any future droughts.
TEN TIPS ON MANAGING TURF IN DROUGHT AREAS NOT SUBJECT TO TEMPORARY USE (HOSEPIPE) BANS 1. E ncourage deeper plant roots by removing compaction – both at the surface and deeper in the profile. Increasing the depth of rooting increases the volume of water (and nutrients) available to the plant – allowing the plant to reach deeper water that is less affected by evaporation.
GOOD PRACTICE IN DROUGHT AREAS WITH TEMPORARY USE (HOSEPIPE) BANS When water restrictions are in place then note the advice on how to limit water demand. In addition the following guidance will help: 1. L imit wear – Where wear areas develop either renovate using hand watering with watering cans or defer renovations to the end of the season/drought period. 2. A void applications of fertiliser and pesticide which could cause scorch or stress the grass. 3. L imit machinery use to essential turf maintenance. Minimise mowing – it is likely that the grass plant will not be growing quickly under drought conditions. 4. A ccept that the grass will brown – they should recover once water becomes available provided that they are not worn excessively.
2. Increase your mowing height – this helps to reduce water consumption and encourages deeper rooting by the plant.
5. M onitor pitch safety regularly and cancel fixtures where appropriate. It may not be possible to prevent pitches getting hard over summer depending on how rainfall develops.
3. Reduce your mowing frequency – this helps to reduce stress on the plant and helps to reduce compaction.
For further information on best practice guidelines click on the Sydney Water and/or Office of Sport document.
4. Return clippings (do not collect clippings) where possible – these returns both nutrients and water to the turf and also provides a bit of a mulch to reduce soil evaporation. 5. Manage your wear – look at closing parts of playing fields on premier pitches to avoid wear and pay attention to high traffic areas. Normal wear recovery rates will be slower as the plant’s growth rate slows as it becomes hotter and short of water. 6. Service your irrigation equipment to ensure that it is leak free, blockage and scale free, and all moving parts are free to move through complete arcs etc. Check distribution uniformity by putting buckets out to ensure water is being distributed evenly. 7. Apply water using efficient equipment - micro-spray hoses can be an effective method to reduce application rates so that run off does not occur whilst covering large areas. 8. Only apply the amount of water needed – take a spade or corer and check the depth to which water is penetrating. If you have very sandy soils or well drained soils then do not over apply water – if
FOOTBALL FACILITIES | FACILITIES & ADVOCACY UNIT | DECEMBER 2019 NEWSLETTER | 07
SYNTHETIC FIELD UPDATE In recent months there has been three fields upgraded to synthetic turf. Sportsfields with synthetic turf promotes year-round activity on safe and resilient surfaces. Synthetic turf is a smart solution for overused, unsafe playing fields and can withstand wear and tear for longer hours regardless of the weather when compared to grass turf fields. Strathfield Council have installed synthetic turf at Cooke Park, Belfield. This upgrade will benefit members from the Canterbury & District Soccer Football Association. Peakhurst Park 5 has been upgraded to synthetic turf by Georges River Council. This field will supplement the recent amenities building upgrade and will benefit members from the St George Football Association. The City of Canada Bay Council are close to finalising the installation of a synthetic turf field at Ron Routley Oval, which will be utilised by Inter Lions Football Club.
Cooke Park, Belfield
Ron Routley Oval – Before
Peakhurst Park 5 – Before
Ron Routley Oval – After Picture courtesy of Inter Lions Football Club
Peakhurst Park 5 – After
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