Burdekin FC will work towards upgrading its women’s changerooms and facilities at International Park after winning a grant from the 2024 Ergon-Energex Community Fund.
The $10,000 grant will enable renovation of the women’s changerooms to provide a safer, more inclusive, and accessible space for players to feel comfortable and confident in their environment and increase participation.
Burdekin FC Senior Secretary Sian Reardon said the women’s facilities currently has two toilets, one of which often malfunctions, a women-only shower that is used as storage and a communal shower that is shared with the men’s facilities and doesn’t have a lock on the door.
The club plans to upgrade all facilities including a third toilet, new shower area and new basin and mirror.
“At the moment, it’s just not a nice place to be in,” Ms Reardon said.
“The facilities are our foundation.
“If we don’t foster a positive, clean environment, it’s not a welcoming environment for those girls to come into.
“If they see that we take pride and responsibility and put that money in to make the facilities clean and welcoming, we get more people through the door.”
Ms Reardon, who also plays for the senior women’s team and coaches junior teams, said the investment proves the growth of the women’s game in the Burdekin.
She said the club currently has enough junior girls for two teams in U9s, U10/11s and U12/13s age groups this year.
“The numbers have grown incredibly this year,” she said.
“We’ve seen more girls interested in coming down to our women’s training as well.
“We’ve got a few 15-year-olds floating around who are really eager and want to get involved, which is awesome.”
The club has also recently purchased new goal posts using a previous grant which are due for installation soon.
“We would not be able to function without grants and community support,” Ms Reardon said.
“Whenever Louise (Nicholas, Grants Officer) sees a grant that could towards the club, the entire club comes together to discuss what’s most important.”
Caption: Burdekin FC Senior Secretary Sian Reardon is excited to see upgrades to the women’s changerooms after securing a grant. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
