The Breaking New Ground Program aims to assist schools, local governments, developers, community Australian football clubs, umpiring organisations and other landowners to better develop sporting infrastructure accessible to AFL programming and activities in communities across Australia.

The Program will fund planning, design and delivery of facilities that support the provision of well positioned, welcoming, accessible, fit for purpose sporting facilities that support our game's growing participation base.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Develop increased supply through the construction of new ovals, especially in growing communities.
• Increase the AFL facility network in areas of need, by maximising the carrying capacity and accessibility of new places to play and the quality/functionality of supporting infrastructure.
• Provide inclusive and accessible facilities that cater for the diversity of participants, particularly females, who wish to participate in our game.
• Enable planning and project partnerships to form with a range of government and non-government bodies to result in an improved quantity, quality and welcoming venue network for Australian football.
• Develop venues to support the sport's complete talent pathway, umpiring, staff and people working and volunteering within the game.

Interested applicants are required to liaise with their respective AFL state or territory body to discuss their proposal to ensure eligibility against specific funding program guidelines. Initial project enquiries and questions are to be emailed to bnground@afl.com.au 

Schools (private and public), Developers, Local Government Authorities, AFL affiliated leagues and community clubs, umpiring organisations, other sports bodies, State Government Authorities and private landowners are eligible to apply.

If applicable, applicants must have written support of the landowners or land managers as part of their submission.

• Email: bnground@afl.com.au