Waitematā Local Board have granted funds to Western Springs Association Football Club (WSAFC) to upgrade their current facilities to include a gender-neutral changing room which is a requirement for next year’s FIFA Women's World Cup (WWC2023).
WSAFC has been chosen to be a training venue for one of the teams competing in the WWC2023, making these upgrades crucial.
The changing room renewal will include putting in grooming stations, baby changing facilities, breastfeeding areas and individual showers. The renewal is welcomed by players who use the changing rooms on a regular basis.
“Western Springs Association Football Club has a large and increasing membership of women and girls in both female and mixed gender teams; and improved facilities for females will benefit many,” says Waitematā Local Board Chair, Richard Northey.
“The club have been honoured and challenged by being granted the hosting for training of an international women’s team for the World Cup. It is important for both the club’s and the city’s reputation that they have enhanced inclusive player facilities.”
Western Springs Association Football Club is Auckland’s largest, with over 2500 active players. They have a strong female membership of around 600. Younger female players have the option of playing in female or mixed teams.
“Having the opportunity to host a training team for the WWC2023 is a great honour for WSAFC, and having our changing rooms and pitch upgraded as part of the programme is just amazing,” says Racheal Monks WWC2023 Lead, WSAFC.
“We're so grateful for the support of our local board and we know that whichever team we have training at Springs will quickly become part of our whānau and have the biggest support crew in Tāmaki Makaurau!”
The club is also undergoing pitch upgrades and turf resurfacing with support from Auckland Council.
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