St Kilda Football Club, in conjunction with homebuilder Watersun, is pleased to launch Footy Foundations, an exciting and innovative fundraising initiative, which will raise valuable funds for the Frankston and District Junior Football League.

St Kilda’s coaches’ partner, Watersun, will construct a home in Sandhurst and part of the proceeds will go towards the Footy Foundations community initiative.

St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said he was delighted the club has the opportunity to give back to the local community through a grassroots football campaign.

“We are committed to enriching and contributing to the local community,” Matt Finnis said.

“We are so pleased that this joint initiative gives more opportunity for grassroots football to grow in the bayside region,” he said.

Footy Foundations will see each and every club in the league receive vital equipment worth a total of $20,000 to help them administer their junior footy programs.

The grants program will also give the clubs an opportunity to apply for further funds of up to $20,000 for those in most need of assistance of funding support for infrastructure projects, and $10,000 set aside for league programs.

AFL South East Football’s Region General Manager, Jeremy Bourke, praised the initiative, which will also provide support for education and development programs for players, volunteers, coaches and committee members.

“Footy Foundations is truly an industry leading partnership and one of the largest investments ever made in junior football. The supply of equipment, grants, player visits and league support will provide a real and tangible boost to junior football in the Frankston region,” he said.

“Not only does the partnership solidify St Kilda Football Club’s commitment to the region, it provides a stronger and more diverse connection between the elite and junior sectors of our sport.”

Watersun Executive Chairman Benni Aroni said the turning of the first sod on the project was exciting.

“Watersun is thrilled to be involved in such a worthwhile intiative. Construction on the house, a new design, is about to commence and it will be exciting to see it take shape.”

The community will be able to watch it develop and better yet, reap the rewards from the sale.”

Construction is expected to finish early next year, with the house to be auctioned off around March.