The Federal Government committed $15 million funding to the new Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre.

The $55 million project to transform the Royal Hall of Industries at Moore Park will deliver dedicated facilities for a Sydney Swans AFLW team.

It will also give a new home for netball side the NSW Swifts and allow for the expansion of the Swans Academy youth girls and boys programs.

“This is a significant day for AFL in New South Wales because it paves the way for the Sydney Swans to have a women’s team,” Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said.

“Facilities have been the key barrier to us entering the AFLW competition – simply put, we had nowhere to house a team and we strongly believe that an elite women’s team deserves elite facilities.

“The Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre means that young girls can join young boys in aspiring to pull on the red and white jumper."

The new facility will provide the necessary infrastructure to grow women’s sport.

The development will include an international standard netball court, which will be available for use by senior teams, junior development programs and open community access.

The Swans and Swifts will expand their school and outreach programs, taking health and wellbeing education to more than 5,000 children annually.

Importantly, the revitalisation of the precinct will deliver a new space for the whole community to enjoy.