CHANGING UP WOMEN’S SPORT

FEMALE football players will be kicking more goals thanks to a Federal grant to the Maroochydore Soccer Club to upgrade women’s only facilities.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien announced $150,000 from the Community Sport Infrastructure Program for the Swans to build two female-friendly change rooms and toilets.
It’s the latest local club to receive Federal funds for ladies’ amenities as more and more traditionally male-dominated sporting codes cater to an increasing female membership.
Mr O’Brien said it was important for female players to have their own private facilities where they could get changed, shower and have team briefings.
“We are seeing this in many sporting codes and clubs now where more girls and women are signing up but have to get changed on the field, or go home dirty and sweaty because the clubs do not have dedicated women’s change rooms.
“This grant will make a positive difference to female players at the Maroochydore Soccer Club who will have a new amenities block with features such as showers with doors which many females prefer, as opposed to the open style of the men’s rooms.”
Federal Sports minister and deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie said the grant was part of the $30 million second round of funding.
“The Liberal & Nationals Government understands that our success and prowess as a sporting nation begins with grassroots sports, which is why we have focused our investment on local grassroots sporting facilities such as the Maroochydore Soccer Club,” Minister McKenzie said.
“As outlined in the National Sports Plan, Sport 2030, grassroots sports help drive increased participation and promote social, health and community benefits of physical activity and sport – a key priority for our government.”
Maroochydore Soccer Club secretary Jean Pateman said female players were absolutely thrilled they would soon have showers with doors.
“We have about 125 female players which is about one-quarter of the membership and we have been talking to them over the years about what they would like and they said they would like to not have to shower in front of everyone else,” said Ms Pateman.
“These new change rooms will be amazing and make a massive difference. We’re also looking at putting in female features like hair dryers.”
Ms Pateman said the club also hosted regional and state competitions and welcomed visiting world teams which would benefit from better facilities.