LOWER CLARENCE SUNS SCORE $27,674 BOOST TO GROW LOCAL AFL

A funding boost of $27,674 through the AFL NSW/ACT Football Facilities Fund will help the Lower Clarence Suns AFL Club expand access to AFL and improve sporting infrastructure at the Ngayundi Yamba Sports Complex, with the investment welcomed by State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson.

The funding will support the purchase of a synthetic cricket pitch cover, removable AFL goal posts, goal post padding and associated infrastructure, allowing AFL to safely share Synthetic Wicket Field 1 during the winter season.

Mr Williamson said the project would provide significant benefits for players and families while making better use of existing community sporting facilities.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Lower Clarence Suns and the wider sporting community,” Mr Williamson said.

“The club has faced ongoing challenges due to flooding over recent seasons, which has significantly impacted training and competition opportunities for local players.

“This funding will help provide a safer, more reliable venue for AFL and ensure more young people, women and men can participate in sport close to home.

“Projects like this are all about getting the most out of existing community infrastructure and creating opportunities for sporting clubs to continue growing and thriving.”

The funding addresses a long-running flooding issue that has impacted the club for the past three seasons, with 2025 proving particularly challenging. Last season, the Suns were restricted to just two home games on their existing ground due to wet weather and waterlogged conditions.

The project is expected to unlock more than 200 hours of AFL training and competition each season and provide a safer, more dependable venue for players, coaches, volunteers, officials and supporters.

Lower Clarence Suns Secretary Heather Morris, who prepared the successful grant application, said the funding was a practical solution with long-term benefits.

“This grant gives our club a reliable home ground and helps secure the future of football in the Lower Clarence,” Ms Morris said.

“It means our players can train and play locally with greater certainty, and it allows us to make smarter use of existing community sporting infrastructure.”

Lower Clarence Suns President Richard Sansom said the funding was a tremendous result for the club and its members.

“We are delighted to have secured this funding and sincerely thank AFL NSW/ACT and the Football Facilities Fund for supporting grassroots football in our region,” Mr Sansom said.

“There has been a lot of work at the committee level to get this project to this point, particularly by our Secretary, Heather, and the benefits to our club will be felt for many years to come.

“This funding supports our growing junior and female programs, creates a better experience for players and families, and gives our club a stronger foundation for the future.”

Mr Williamson congratulated the Lower Clarence Suns committee and volunteers on securing the funding.

“Community sporting clubs rely on passionate volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and I congratulate everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition,” he said.

“This investment will help strengthen grassroots AFL in the Lower Clarence and ensure the club can continue providing opportunities for local players for many years to come.”

PHOTO: Some of the junior players of the Lower Clarence Suns at their new home ground with Richie Williamson.