The Bonnyrigg White Eagles Football Club, one of Australia’s oldest and most respected football clubs, has received a $1 million grant from the Minns Labor Government to fund critical facility upgrades at the Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
Founded in 1968 as the Avala Sports Club by Serbian immigrants, the Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC has built a proud 57-year history and established itself as a breeding ground for football talent, producing Socceroos such as Craig Foster, Danny Vukovic, and Milos Degenek. Now, the club is looking to replicate that success with a new generation of female players.
The grant will be used to construct new female home and away change rooms and upgrade the club’s lighting infrastructure, ensuring players can train and compete in a safe, inclusive, and modern environment.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper highlighted the importance of this investment, saying:
“We have seen a surge in female football participation in recent years, and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring facilities at both grassroots and professional levels keep pace. These upgrades at Bonnyrigg Sports Club will provide the infrastructure and support to help local female players realise their full potential.”
Research from the NSW Government shows that inadequate facilities are a significant barrier for women and girls to participate in sport. This investment, as part of the 2024/25 Project Support Program, aims to break down those barriers and encourage greater female participation in football.
Local Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda MP, praised the project, saying:
“The new female change rooms and lighting upgrades will increase community use of the facilities, support current female players, and help attract more women and girls to the sport. Bonnyrigg White Eagles Football Club has a proud 57-year history, and this project will help boost a new generation of players to add to its already long list of talented footballers.”
The official announcement was made at the Bonnyrigg Sports Club by the Honourable Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Sport, alongside Ms Charishma Kaliyanda MP (Liverpool), Mr David Saliba MP (Fairfield), Mr Tri Vo MP (Cabramatta), Mr Nathan Hagarty MP (Leppington), and Ms Mira Ibrahim, Liverpool City Councillor.
Also in attendance were Bonnyrigg White Eagles President George Vrankovic and board members, Bonnyrigg Sports Club President Cedomir Jesic, Pokret Foundation Director Nena Borak, and Political Liaison Officer Milomir (Michael) Andjekovic.
Mr Andjekovic expressed his gratitude to the Office of Sport, stating:
“We are very appreciative to the Office of Sport for approving our application for the grant under the Sports Project Support Programme. President George Vrankovic and the board members dedicated significant time and effort into the submissions for this government grant.”
These upgrades mark a major step forward for the Bonnyrigg White Eagles, ensuring the club remains a cornerstone of the local community and a hub for developing the next generation of football talent.
