Kirkham Oval is set to receive a $2.8 million upgrade, thanks to funding from Camden Council and the NSW Government.

As part of the project, which will start its construction in 2024, Council will build female friendly changerooms and supporting amenities for rugby league facilities at the field.

Local rugby league club, Camden Rams RLFC, successfully secured $1 million towards the project through the Office of Sport’s Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund.

Council is also contributing an additional $1.75 million to the project.

Camden Rams president, Greg Copeland, said 150 of the club’s players were female, and that number was continuing to grow

“With hosting representative teams and looking to increase these numbers in the coming years, these upgrades to our facilities are a much-needed necessity to our club,” he said.

“I would like to thank the State Government for their $1 million contribution through the Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund and Camden Council for its almost $1.8 million contribution.”

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said she was excited to see the project come to fruition.

“With the recent inspirational Matildas World Cup campaign, I feel positive that female participation in sport is going to continue to grow, therefore these upgrades to Kirkham Oval are vital,” she said.

“Thank you to the Office of Sport for its contribution to this project.

“It’s my hope that, with these new facilities, it will encourage more women and girls to play rugby league in our area.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the NSW Government was committed to ensuring everyone across the state had equal access to sport and recreation.

“Fit-for-purpose sporting facilities are an integral part of our community that help connect people and promote healthy lifestyles,” he said.

“These upgrades will ensure more women and girls feel comfortable, included and safe, attracting even more people to get involved in their local sporting community.”

State Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said she was thrilled to be a part of a government that would continue prioritising women’s sport in Southwest Sydney.

“Now, more than ever, it’s critical we lay the groundwork to ensure we support the increase of women’s participation in sport,” she said.

“Southwest Sydney is already punching above its weight when it comes to the rise of women in rugby league, and infrastructure like this will help our numbers grow.

“Congratulations to the Camden Rams for their successful application and thank you to both Camden Council and the NSW Government for delivering this much needed infrastructure for our community.”