University of Western Australia: UWA set to revitalise Sports Park in honour of sporting community legend

The University of Western Australia will revitalise UWA Sports Park with a state-of-the-art new pavilion, named to honour a legend of its sporting community.

The Neil Donaldson Pavilion will provide University Football Club (UFC) with a new clubhouse, featuring modern facilities, change rooms and amenities, while offering sweeping vistas across the park.

The new facility is named in honour of Neil Donaldson, whose lifelong commitment to the UFC, saw him serve as a player, coach, manager and president but, most significantly, a loyal supporter and friend.

Recognised for his contributions to “the fabric of what the club is today”, Neil was the heart and soul of the UFC and continued to be an active part of the Club until his death in 2022.

UFC Life Member and Neil Donaldson Pavilion Fundraising Committee Chair Roger Steinepreis said the current A.J Williams Pavilion had been an incredible facility for a small club.

“The club has now developed into a much larger club and a revitalised facility is needed to suit its growing needs and to reflect the heritage and status of the UFC,” he said.

Representatives from the UFC said the club’s new home will further honour Neil by providing a space for its community to come together, celebrate and expand the club he held so close to his heart.

Established by UWA in 1911, the UFC has built a strong and proud history around its central values of fairness and community that people can share and appreciate.

By creating a modern clubhouse for the UWA sports and football communities to meet, the pavilion will be a cornerstone for the development of the UFC into the future.

UFC Life Member Chris Massey said the new pavilion would be a place to make lifelong friends.

“The Neil Donaldson Pavilion will be a place for people from different backgrounds and generations to feel welcome and included,” he said.

UFC Life Member Jim Natt said the new facility would encompass “the three F’s – friends, fellowship and fun”.

The UFC have launched a fundraising campaign for the build and are hoping to raise $3 million with UWA contributing the rest of the funds to ensure the new facility can be enjoyed by the community and club.

“The new pavilion will help to ensure the strength of the club for future generations,” said Adelaide Crossing, Inaugural A Grade Women’s Captain.