Gresford Vacy FC have received a $370,000 grant through the NSW state government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund that the club hopes will help secure its future.
The grant will be used to fund a significant amenities project at the club’s home at the Gresford Sporting Complex, including female friendly changerooms.
The Gresford Sporting Complex facility upgrade is a $650,000 project that will also include renovations to existing buildings featuring a new canteen fit out, referee changerooms, storage and toilets.
Gresford Vacy FC committee member Kris Doyle said the club were thrilled to have been given the chance to upgrade their facilities and secure their future as a strong representative of Hunter Valley Football.
“We’re very lucky that we’ve got two excellent playing grounds at Vacy and Gresford,” Doyle said.
“But the actual changeroom facilities are well below par.
“With our large number of players and also our high participation rate of females the changerooms simple weren’t up to standard.”
Gresford Vacy FC represent the Gresford, Vacy and Paterson communities in the Hunter Valley, boasting more than 250 players.
Doyle said the facility would be a much needed and cherished community asset once completed.
“It is going to be a massive thing for the community,” Doyle said.
“The sporting ground is also used by the local cricket team, the Gresford Colts, and it is used by the three local schools.
“And throughout the year we also hold gala days that bring in kids from an even bigger area around the Dungog Shire.”
The club continue to work on securing the rest of the required funding to complete the project.
It has been an exciting time for Gresford Vacy FC, with the club also achieving 5-stars in the National Club Development Program.
Football Federation Australia launched the NCDP nationally in September 2019, with the program available to all Northern NSW Football clubs.
The program was designed to bring all clubs in line with industry standards to continue building the future of football, allowing clubs to thrive and set themselves up for long-term future success and sustainability.
Northern NSW Football Club Development Officer Phillip Andrews was on hand to present Gresford Vacy FC club president Jim Doyle with a certificate to recognise the important achievement on Tuesday.
Andrews and Hunter Valley Football Operations Manager Sarah White also made a presentation to Gresford Vacy FC coach Brad Merchant, who was named as the Hunter Valley Football Newcastle Permanent Community Coach of the Month for August.
