Funding to improve facilities and participation in the sport comes ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be played in Australia and New Zealand during July and August

Helensburgh Junior Soccer Club has received $83,200 via the NSW Government’s Football Legacy Fund to upgrade toilets and referees facilities at Rex Jackson Oval to make them more accessible and female friendly.

The funding announcement took place in Helensburgh on Wednesday, January 18.

The Thistle were one of five community clubs to receive funding, which was allocated through the Football Legacy Fund and aimed at improving local facilities and boosting participation in soccer. 

Unanderra Hearts SC Women's Football Program received $2500; Russell Vale Junior Soccer Club $6800; Figtree Football Club $32,000; and Woonona Junior Football Club $30,500.

Wollongong City Council was given just over $182,000 to improve drainage at Cawley Park and Judy Masters Park sportsgrounds, and Football South Coast received $7500 to invest in online education for grassroots coaches.

Registration for Helensburgh Junior Soccer Club has begun.