STRATEGIC DIRECTION
VISION
To create sustainable, inclusive and future-ready football infrastructure that enhances participation, strengthens communities and celebrates the global game at the local level.
OBJECTIVES
Enable targeted investment in areas of most need.
PURPOSE
To prioritise and deliver strategic infrastructure investments that respond to population growth, address participation demand and ensure equitable access to quality football facilities across the Hunter Valley.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
n Invest in venues with the greatest need and potential for impact.
n Expand capacity of existing fields through lighting, surface upgrades and irrigation.
n Deliver inclusive facilities that enable participation from all ages, genders and abilities.
n Plan and deliver new facilities aligned with regional population growth.
n Leverage partnerships with councils, government and private sector to maximise return on investment.
11,065
POPULATION CONTEXT
The Newcastle and Port Stephens regions are experiencing sustained growth across its LGAs, with strong implications for future demand in sport and recreation infrastructure
PLAYING FIELD SUMMARY
NUMBER OF VENUES
NUMBER OF FIELDS NPL VENUES
SYNTHETIC FIELDS
CHANGE ROOM SUMMARY
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
NSW GOVERNMENT ACTIVE RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE GUIDELINES
STATE AND FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT OBJECTIVES
2024-26 STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT
NORTHERN NSW FOOTBALL STRATEGIC PLAN (2024–2026)
CLOSELY ALIGNED WITH CITY OF NEWCASTLE AND PORT STEPHENS COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLANS. SUPPORTS PARTNERSHIPS, GROWTH, WELLBEING AND ACCESS
INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES
PLANNING FOR GROWTH
1 2 3 4
Football remains the leading sport for youth participation and there is an urgent need to expand field capacity..
ENHANCING CAPACITY
n Many fields lack sufficient lighting and drainage, limiting use during wet weather and after dark.
n Irrigation coverage is inconsistent, increasing maintenance costs and limiting surface quality.
n Targeted lighting and surface upgrades can increase capacity by up to 20 per cent across the network.
SUPPORTING INCLUSION
n Less than 40 per cent of venues have gender-neutral or female-friendly changerooms.
n Facilities to support referees, volunteers and spectators, particularly women and young people, are essential to participation growth.
n Accessibility upgrades are critical to ensure facilities are inclusive for people with disability.
ESTABLISHING HOMES OF FOOTBALL
n Newcastle lacks a dedicated regional home for football.
n Long-term planning should identify opportunities to develop synthetic surfaces and regional hubs that can support year-round use, elite development and tournament hosting.
2025–2030 FLAGSHIP PROJECTS
VENUE / PROJECT
ESTIMATED COST
WALKER FIELDS
$350k
ADAMSTOWN NO.3 & 4
NOVOCASTRIAN PARK NO.1 & 2
$1.5M
DESCRIPTION
INSTALLATION OF DRAINAGE ON TWO MAIN PLAYING FIELDS AND SECURITY FENCING
PLAYING SURFACE UPGRADE INCLUDING DRAINAGE + NEW AMENITIES BUILDING
$250K DRAINAGE ON TWO FIELDS
ARTHUR EDDEN OVAL $1M
COOK PARK $500K
LIGHTING UPGRADE AND AMENITIES AND CHANGEROOM REFURBISHMENT (GENDER-NEUTRAL)
LIGHTING INSTALLATION AND EXTENSION TO AMENITIES BUILDING
YULONG OVAL $750K DRAINAGE AND LIGHTING UPGRADE
PRIORITY PROJECTS
WALKER FIELDS, SOUTH WALLSEND
FACILITIES Multi-sport (cricket and football)
PROJECT
Drainage installation on both fields and security fencing
COST $350,000
RATIONALE
OUTPUTS
One of worst facilities for drainage within the LGA in wet weather given location of fields.
Strong club that supports women and girls’ football. Consistent playing numbers over many years despite the issues outlined.
ADAMSTOWN NO.3 & 4, ADAMSTOWN
FACILITIES Multi-sport (cricket and football)
PROJECT
Drainage upgrade on two fields and new amenities for fields in that location.
COST $1,500,000
RATIONALE
OUTPUTS
Drainage is non-existent on these fields, with one pitch closed all season. Requirement for amenities on northern side
Strong female football representation. Provides appropriate amenities and a playable playing surface
NOVOCASTRIAN PARK NO.1 & 2, NEW LAMBTON
FACILITIES Multi-sport (cricket and football)
PROJECT Drainage on fields No. 1 & 2 required urgently
COST $500,000
RATIONALE
OUTPUTS
One of the largest clubs in the LGA. Improvements required for accommodation of match days and training
Enables expansion and supports increased capacity for playing and training
PRIORITY PROJECTS
ARTHUR EDDEN OVAL, LAMBTON
FACILITIES Football
PROJECT
COST
Field needs lighting upgrade to cater for increased participation to facilitate training and night matches. Upgraded changerooms required to enable female teams
$1,000,000
RATIONALE Premier club looking to expand into female football.
OUTPUTS
Enables night matches, training and supports growth in female football.
PRIORITY PROJECTS
COOK PARK, SHORTLAND
FACILITIES Multi-sport (cricket and football)
PROJECT Lighting upgrade and amenities extension
COST
RATIONALE
OUTPUTS
$500,000
Upgrades will enable a club to utilise to its capacity and host regular football
Will allow for player development and growth.
Optimise an under-utilised facility
YULONG OVAL, MEDOWIE
FACILITIES Football-specific
PROJECT Drainage and lighting upgrade
COST $750,000
RATIONALE
OUTPUTS
Significant growth of 45 per cent over last five years with more growth anticipated with housing development
Supports anticipated further growth at the club in particular within the entry level, women’s and girls’ spaces
SUMMARY AND NEXT STEPS
1 2 3 4 5 6
Football is the leading sport in Newcastle. Infrastructure upgrades critical to growth.
Drainage of fields is of critical importance.
Inclusive facilities key to female participation.
Align with council strategies. Continue evidence-based planning and advocacy.
