The Growing Problem of Facility Shortages

Grassroots sports are the lifeblood of communities, helping kids build confidence, stay active, and develop critical life skills. However, across Australia, an increasing number of children are being turned away from local sports clubs due to a shortage of available facilities. This growing issue poses a significant threat to participation in youth sports and leaves clubs struggling to meet demand.

Why Are Facilities in Short Supply?

The demand for sports facilities has exploded in recent years as participation in grassroots sports has surged. Unfortunately, many traditional venues, such as council-owned fields and community centers, are already booked to capacity. Combined with population growth and the popularity of year-round competitions, the pressure on existing facilities has reached a breaking point.

At the same time, schools across Australia have high-quality sports facilities—gyms, ovals, and courts—that often sit empty outside of school hours. These underutilized spaces represent a missed opportunity to meet the growing demand and support youth sports programs.

The Impact on Kids and Clubs

For kids, being turned away from sports clubs means missing out on the physical, social, and mental health benefits that sports provide. It also means losing opportunities to build friendships, learn teamwork, and develop discipline.

For clubs, the lack of available facilities leads to caps on membership numbers, canceled games, and limited growth. In some cases, clubs are forced to turn potential players away entirely, limiting access to sports for families who need it most.

Schools Can Be Part of the Solution

Schools are uniquely positioned to help solve this problem by opening their facilities to local sports clubs during evenings, weekends, and school holidays. By doing so, schools can:

• Support Community Growth – Provide accessible venues for grassroots sports clubs to thrive.

• Generate Additional Revenue – Earn extra income from facility rentals that can be reinvested into school programs and maintenance.

• Promote Health and Well-Being – Encourage kids to stay active and engaged in physical activity.

How Facility Finder Makes It Easy

Many schools hesitate to rent out their facilities due to the administrative burden—managing schedules, handling payments, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. That’s where Facility Finder comes in.

Facility Finder is a marketplace platform that connects schools with sports clubs, making it simple to list, find, and book venues online. The platform streamlines the entire process, offering features like:

• Instant Bookings – Clubs can check availability and secure venues in minutes.

• Transparent Pricing – Schools can set rates and collect payments directly through the platform.

• Compliance Tools – Ensure all bookings meet insurance and safety requirements.

With Facility Finder, schools can maximise the use of their spaces without adding extra work for staff, while sports clubs gain access to the facilities they need to keep kids in the game.

Let’s Build a Better Future for Grassroots Sports

By opening their doors to local clubs, schools can play a crucial role in addressing the facility shortage and supporting youth sports participation. With platforms like Facility Finder, it’s easier than ever to turn underused spaces into community assets.

If your school has facilities sitting idle after hours, why not put them to work? Join Facility Finder today and be part of the solution to keep kids active, engaged, and thriving through sport.