Kotara South Football Club is the latest in a string of sporting facilities across the region to welcome more inclusive amenities.
The $1.2 million upgrade of Lugar Park means referees, spectators and home and away players will have access to an additional unisex changeroom, accessible amenities and unisex referees’ rooms.
The enhancement is designed to help local grassroots sports clubs create a welcoming and inclusive environment for females, juniors and people with diverse abilities.
Kotara South Football Club president Bryn Hoskins said the addition “evens the playing field for the club’s members”.
“Around one third of our members are female and participation is growing,” he said.
“With contemporary female-friendly changerooms and toilets, a new kiosk and disability access, these new facilities will help grow our sport by providing a positive experience for both male and female players, referees, coaches, volunteers and spectators.
“The facility will be highly used by Kotara South Football Club as well as local cricket and other sporting groups.”
The project was funded by City of Newcastle (CN), the NSW Government and the Kotara South Football Club.
Equipment storage and a new canteen completed the building upgrade, while upgraded pathways from the carpark to the grounds, and an all-weather covered area for spectators have provided a more comfortable and accessible environment for all members of the community.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project was timely, given the Matildas recent success and the growing number of female participants in sport.
“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup being hosted on home soil, participation by women and girls will only continue to grow, which is why it is vital we deliver projects such as Lugar Park, which provide enjoyable spaces that allow women and girls to feel connected and welcome in their chosen sport,” she said.
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the project supports a key global sustainable development goal in CN’s Delivering Newcastle 2040 strategic plan to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
“We have worked collaboratively with Kotara South Football Club to design an inclusive place for all,” she added.’
“The facility celebrates their growing club, and offers a facility where people of all ages, genders and abilities can come together to enjoy sport.”
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