Swan Districts – More than just your local footy club!

The Swan Districts Football Club are working hard behind the scenes to redevelop their facilities for the benefit of the community.

Not only does Steel Blue Oval draw large numbers of people into the Town of Bassendean on Saturdays and Sundays during the WAFL season, it has become a core meeting place for non-football related activities during the week as well.

Each week, Swan Districts hosts events and activities for supporters, people with disabilities, the hungry, the homeless and more.

Although the COVID pandemic has slowed the progress as of late, it hasn’t stopped the staff, Directors and CEO from looking at ways to continue opening their doors to the broader community.

Matt Hewitson, the Director of Community & Facilities Development, is proud to be a part of a club that is having a positive impact on people throughout Western Australia, and is excited to see the continued growth that is being made in both the metro and regional areas.

“To most people, we are more than just a football club” he said. 

“In addition to the thousands of people from right across Perth descending onto Steel Blue Oval for every men’s and women’s home game, our club is now a community hub during the week, bringing significant commerce and employment to the town.

“We have been successful in receiving funding from a number of grants to upgrade our facilities over the last 12 months, but frustratingly, they have been further stymied by changes in priority for the Town of Bassendean.” 

“Our partnership with the Town of Bassendean is important, however, it is prudent for us to now explore other options for redevelopment as well.”

Some of the more recent upgrades to date include:

• $32,000 for roof repairs (supported by a Stronger Communities Grant through the support of Federal Member for Perth, Patrick Gorman),
• $22,000 for seating upgrades around the oval (supported by the Swan Districts Past Players & Officials Association and the Swansmen),
• $10,000 for an upgrade to the kitchen facilities (supported by the Swan Districts Past Players & Officials Association),
• $33,000 for a new outdoor and indoor audio system which has improved the game day experience, allowing all supporters to engage in the exciting activities going on throughout the day  (supported by a Community Sport Infrastructure Grant through support from the Federal Member of Hasluck, The Hon. Ken Wyatt MP and Federal Member for Perth, Patrick Gorman),
• $8,000 to improve the fascia and signage on the John Cooper - John Todd stand to honour the significant contributions made by both Swan District legends, and
• $200,000 for a new dedicated women’s change room (supported by a Community Sport Infrastructure Grant through the support from the Federal Member of Hasluck, The Hon. Ken Wyatt MP and Federal Member for Perth, Patrick Gorman).

“Women’s football is a priority for our footy club” Swans President, Peter Hodyl said.

“Not only will these change rooms provide essential facilities for our own women’s teams, they are also available for use by our wider Swans community, including a host of junior clubs within our district.”

As WA continues to move forward from the restrictions surrounding Coronavirus, the Swan Districts Football Club will continue to keep you updated with all the upgrades, redevelopments and positive impacts your club is having throughout the community via www.swandistrictsfc.com.au and on our Social Media pages.