$1.5 million funding boost for Home of the Matildas facility

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The Victorian government have confirmed they will commit $1.5 million towards the master planning and design for the proposed Home of the Matildas facility at La Trobe University, Bundoora.

The facility will also serve as the future headquarters of Football Victoria, as well as being home to high performance programs for women, men, girls and boys.

FFA CEO James Johnson was excited about the state government’s announcement, which will kickstart the Women’s World Cup legacy project.

“I’d like to thank the Daniel Andrews’ government for committing to further investment for this Victorian base for the Westfield Matildas, following on from the $200,000 already provided to Football Victoria for a feasibility study.

“The Victorian government has again demonstrated its commitment to women’s football, following its support for our successful bid to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, and with the Federal Government already having allocated $15 million, we very much looking forward to seeing the project progress.

“The importance of establishing a Home of the Matildas is articulated in the XI Principles for the future of Australian football (XI Principles), and it will help maximise the potential of hosting the world’s biggest sporting event for women in three years’ time.”

Matildas superstar Sam Kerr was looking forward to the construction of the world class facility.

“This is wonderful news for the Matildas and the prospect of having a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed for our use is very exciting,” she said.

“The team loves playing in Melbourne and we really look forward to having a dedicated base where we can train and prepare for matches.”

Former Socceroo Gary Cole believes the development will be “great for women and girls and also for the good of the game.”

Outgoing Football Victoria CEO Peter Filopoulos believes phase one of the project should be completed before the Women’s World Cup is held on our shores.

“If we have the first phase built in time for the 2023 World Cup it would give our girls the best chance of success.”

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Mitre Appointed FV’s Sole Ball Supplier Across All Competitions

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Image credit: Football Victoria

Football Victoria has unveiled Mitre as its exclusive official ball partner in a significant new three-year deal.

As part of the agreement, Mitre will also serve as a Bronze Partner of the FV Business League, an exclusive networking community created to support members in expanding their connections, elevating their brand, and engaging with like-minded professionals who share a passion for both football and business.

From the 2026 NPL Victoria season, clubs will play with the Mitre Ultimax Pro 26, the latest iteration of Mitre’s iconic match ball. The new Ultimax Pro features cutting-edge technology, enhanced performance, and a contemporary design inspired by the original 1995 model.

The ball incorporates a completely redesigned panel layout, engineered to deliver greater control, more accurate flight, and increased power with every strike.

The new exclusive deal reinforces the eight-year relationship between Mitre and Football Victoria, marking one of the most enduring partnerships in the industry.

FV Commercial Executive Manager, Chris Speldewinde described the agreement as a “major milestone” ahead of the 2026 season.

“Mitre has been a trusted partner of Football Victoria for many years, and this new agreement reinforces our shared commitment to elevating the game at every level,” he said via FV Official media release.

“As we move into the 2026 season, having a world-class ball partner ensures our clubs and players are equipped with the highest standards in performance.”

Director of Sportsmart Group, Gerrard Woods said Mitre was pleased to build on its long-running collaboration with FV.

“Our goal has always been to support the growth of football across the state by delivering products that players and coaches can trust at every level,” he said via press release.

In addition to Mitre’s established reseller network, clubs will be able to order match balls through a dedicated online platform designed for simple, streamlined purchasing.

Bentleigh Greens Forge Ties with MST Lawyers

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Image credit: MST Lawyers

Bentleigh Greens confirmed leading mid-tier commercial law firm, MST Lawyers, as their latest sponsor for the 2026 season. Following an announcement last week, the collaboration strengthens Bentleigh Greens’ commitment to working with Victorian businesses and connecting them with the local football community. 

A Partnership Built on Shared Values 

Ranked as a Tier 1 firm in Franchise Law in Best Law Firms 2025 by Best Lawyers and with 60 years of experince, MST Lawyers strives to maintain a client-focused model supported by respect, excellence and dedication.

But it is not only the work which MST Lawyers carries out within the walls of their company which makes a partnership with the Green so exciting. Beyond providing legal counsel and assistance, they support causes across Victoria and beyond to give back to the community who back them. Such causes include the Mayor of Monash Charity Golf Day, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Australia, and Cambodia Rural Students Trust. 

It is ultimately no wonder why an agreement was there to be struck with a club which prides itself on inspiring a supportive environment, fostering young talent, and transforming a business into a family. Going forward, the Greens will no doubt be looking to work with MST Lawyers on matters which concern the team, the club, and the loyal community which supports them. 

Driving Business and Football Forward 

As the Bentleigh Greens look to find success once more in the NPL Victoria after being promoted as champions last season, joining forces with MST Lawyers is a move with positive implications for the club’s future.

“A sincere thank you to the entire MST Lawyers team for their support and belief in our club,” the club said via social media.

“This partnership will play a key role in driving Bentleigh Greens forward both on and off the pitch.”

Given this will be the Green’s first season back in the NPL VIC since 2023, gathering support will be crucial to not just staying in the league next year, but also sustaining its presence in seasons to come.

You can find more about the services provided by MST Lawyers here.

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