Playground to keep parents in the game

The Far North Coast Hockey Association has received $77,876 from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund to build the playground in hopes of keeping more adults in the game locally.

It will mean kids will have a place to go during senior games and training, knowing there is a safe place for them to play.

Having an additional area to keep kids occupied will help enhance weekend competition.

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the project will provide a more welcoming and safe sporting environment for all parents, but especially mothers, with young children.

"Balancing looking after children and being involved in community activities such as sport can be tough as a parent and so it is great to see the Far North Coast Hockey Association take this wonderful initiative to install a children's playground on site," Mr Franklin said.

"Removing barriers for parents to becoming involved in sport, especially mothers, creates a more inclusive environment and ensures that opportunities are available for everyone in our region.

"Infrastructure such as this plays a crucial role in keeping our communities healthy, active and connected and I am thrilled the NSW Government has been able to support this project.".

The facility has already held major state and national titles since the introduction of a second turf field.

Far North Coast hosted the Australian under-21 and masters championships in 2019.

The NSW under-18s played there last year while a number of school-based carnivals are also being hosted at the complex.

Far North Coast Hockey President Nathan Kesteven said receiving the funding is excellent news for the Association.

"Far North Coast Hockey is extremely pleased and grateful to have received funding for the children's playground under the Stronger Country Community Fund," Mr Kesteven said.

"FNC Hockey has a long history of encouraging and supporting all ages and genders to play our great sport.

"This playground will give the young kids who are at our facility the chance to play in a safe and secure location, within our grounds. Just as importantly, this will support all the parents and carers of the youngest members of our hockey community."

Sporting projects that support women are the big winners in this latest round of funding.