We are calling on Campbelltown City Council to reconsider its decision to deny access to Willowdale Sports Fields for community football clubs such as Leppington Lions Soccer Club.

Leppington and the surrounding suburbs are among the fastest growing areas in South-West Sydney. With this growth has come a significant increase in the number of children and families participating in grassroots sport. Local clubs are now facing a severe shortage of training space and sporting facilities.

Leppington Lions Soccer Club currently has hundreds of junior players and teams relying heavily on Leppington Oval, which is already under considerable pressure and requires ongoing maintenance and recovery periods during the season.

The club has been actively working with councils, football associations and governing bodies for more than a year to secure access to nearby facilities, including Willowdale Sports Fields. Despite these efforts, the club has been advised that access will not be granted for the winter season.

As a result, some teams – including junior players – are now being asked to train up to 15-20 kilometres away from their home community. This places an unreasonable burden on families, particularly those with young children, multiple siblings playing sport, or limited transport availability.

Grassroots sport is essential for:

• Children's physical and mental health

• Building community connection

• Providing safe, structured activities for young people

• Supporting local volunteer-run sporting organisations

Willowdale Sports Fields are located within close proximity to the Leppington community and represent an important local resource that should help support the growing demand for community sport.

We respectfully ask Campbelltown City Council to:

Reconsider the winter allocation decision for Willowdale Sports Fields.

Work collaboratively with local football associations to allow shared community access where possible.

Prioritise facility access for grassroots community clubs supporting local families and children.

Our goal is not to criticise any organisation, but to advocate for fair access to sporting facilities for the families and children who live in this rapidly growing region.

Community sport should be accessible to the communities it serves.

We encourage Campbelltown City Council to work with local clubs and associations to find a fair and practical solution that supports grassroots football and the many families who rely on it.

Signed,

Concerned parents, players and community members.