ONE of the Gunnedah region's fastest-growing sports has received a major boost thanks to the state government.
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The Gunnedah and District Soccer Association has received more than $340,000 in grant funding, via the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
The funds will be used to give the association's clubhouse a major face-lift, to include new changing facilities for male and female players, as well as match officials, and a multi-purpose function room.
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Association secretary Helen Cygan said the upgrades would continue to help the sport grow in Gunnedah.
"Soccer has a fantastic following here, and we're one of the biggest sporting clubs in the town and around the region," Cygan said.
"The club has experienced a 26 per cent growth in membership over the last five years, with 521 members registered (88 per cent are junior players and 28 per cent are female players.
"So, to have these upgraded facilities will give the sport a really big boost."
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the funding would help Gunnedah soccer prepare for the future
"Last year soccer in Gunnedah had about 500 junior and senior registrations making it one of the largest sporting clubs in the town," Mr Anderson said.
"The current clubhouse is dated and no longer suitable for the size of the club and has no visiting team change rooms, or facilities for female club members or referees.
"This upgrade will include an accessible car park, entry ramp, two changing rooms with a toilet and shower, a changing area for female players, a changing area and shower for match officials, storage space and a general-purpose function room.
"I want to congratulate the committee of the club and its secretary Helen Cygan for the work they have put into this successful submission."
The funding comes as the Gunnedah Golf Club received more than $272,000 of grant funding through the state government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Club president Peter Spackman said the funds would go towards the installation of safety barrier fencing around the club's course.
"The drought has had a heavy impact on the club's financial resources, we've had to buy more water to keep the greens going," he said.
"We've had to re-seed our fairways and update watering systems, and this has been a burden on our coffers, so this announcement is just fantastic news."
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the new fencing would also have major benefits for Gunnedah's wildlife.
"This is awesome news for the golf club, which is literally the green heart of a large residential area of town," Mr Anderson said.
"The course is also home to a number of resident koalas, so the fence will provide them with a safe and secure barrier from wandering dogs, and keep them away from local traffic movements."
