Three unisex changerooms, each with showers, toilets and a trainers’ room, were specifically designed to support female players in footy, as participation in the sport continues to increase across the City of Playford.

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the new facilities, constructed by the City of Playford with funding support from the State Government, will help meet community demand.

“We know from research that the majority of changeroom facilities in South Australia are of an inadequate standard for female players and officials. The new facilities at Elizabeth are helping address that gap,” said Mayor Docherty.

“The new changerooms have been purpose-built to cater for female football but can be used by both genders. Given the growth in female players at Central District Football Club – and more broadly across women’s SANFL they were urgently needed.

“I am pleased that we are helping meet that demand with this important upgrade to one of the city’s treasured sporting facilities,” he said.

The project was jointly funded by the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing and the City of Playford.

Tony Piccolo, Member for Light said that the changerooms will set up future generations for a more inclusive football experience.

“Today we are opening the facilities but we are doing more than that, it is about sending the message that if you are a young boy or young girl you are welcome and supported,” he said.

Shelby Smith, CDFC Women’s Team Captain, said seeing the changerooms for the first time today is a gamechanger.

“This means we will have more people coming to our club. It is so good and I can’t wait for people to come and see what we have to offer,” she said.