Positive Start in 2022 initiative delivers football clinics

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Positive Start in 2022

With many kids missing plenty of extra-curricular activities over the past two years, the Victorian Government invested $112.9 million into the Positive Start in 2022 initiative.

Through this, Football Victoria have partnered with more than 130 schools to deliver football clinics across the state.

Schools have the opportunity to choose one, or a combination of GO Girls, Futsal or Outdoor Football – all of which are delivered free and in person in a fun and engaging environment. To date, Positive Start is proving to be a resounding success, with FV having already registered to host football clinics with more than 130 schools.

Schools Program Manager Brad Atholwood was delighted with the uptake, stating he is expecting the program to continue even further in the lead up to Term 3.

“Football Victoria have been really encouraged by the initial uptake of schools for the Positive Start Initiative. It has been fantastic to see Primary & Specialist School students receive the opportunity to have trained and equipped coaches, deliver a highly engaging Football session to provide them a sample of the best and most fun aspects of our beautiful sport,” he said in a statement.

“This initiative has already engaged areas of our state that would otherwise be hungry for these types of programs. We encourage all Victorian Primary & Specialist Schools not to miss this opportunity to provide their students with an experience that will reignite or realise their passion for physical activity and football!”

Most pleasing has been the diverse range of schools getting involved. There has been a strong uptake from schools across metro and regional Victoria, along with mainstream and specialist schools.

In total, the Positive Start in 2022 initiative will provide more than 325,000 fully subsidised places for students in sporting and cultural programs. These will boost kids’ motivation and help them rebuild their connections with friends, teachers and communities.

For more information or to apply for the Positive Start in 2022 initiative, please visit the link here.

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Football Victoria recognised in Pride in Sport Index 2026

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Image credit: Parilov / Shutterstock.com

The Silver Status shows Football Victoria‘s commitment to providing Victorians with a safe, inclusive landscape for all to enjoy the beautiful game.

Everyone’s game

Earlier this month, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards recognised several organisations and individuals across the nation who continue to champion inclusive spaces in the world of sport.

Among the nominees was Football Victoria, who received the Silver Status. FV Executive Manager Equity, Programs and Government Relations, Karen Pearce, expressed her pride at the achievement.

“Achieving Silver Status in the Pride in Sport Index is an important reflection of the work being done across Football Victoria to ensure LGBTQ+ people feel safe, welcomed and included in our game,” Pearce said via official press release.

“We remain committed to embedding inclusive practices across all levels of football, and continuing to create environments where everyone can belong, participate and thrive.”

 

Inclusion matters

While recognition is always a positive reflection of successful work behind the scenes, it is important to remember what the work intends to achieve.

Football – and sport in general – is a unique opportunity to bring diverse communities together, and to compete, spectate and enjoy the game on an equal playing field.

Furthermore, as custodians of ‘the world’s game’, governing bodies, fans and players around the world all share the responsibility to empower marginalised groups to feel included.

Two months ago, The Premier League introduced their own initiative – Premier League With Pride – reflecting their own commitment to ensuring football grounds, schools and academies remain welcoming.

 

Final thoughts

There is no place for hate or abuse in football, whether on a grassroots field or professional stadium.

Football Victoria will continue its journey and commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community – at all levels of the game – for many seasons to come.

Northern Motor Group joins FV as Official Automotive Partner

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Image credit: Football Victoria

In an announcement made last week, Football Victoria (FV) announced the Bundoora-based company as its Official Automotive Partner for the next three years, ushering in a new partnership driven by local identity.

Built in Victoria

The alliance betwen FV and Northern Motor Group stands as the latest locally-backed partnership in Victoria’s football landscape.

Furthermore, FV Executive Manager of Commercial, Chris Speldewinde, outlined why a connection with Northern Motor Group is an exciting step forward for the organisation.

“Northern Motor Group are one of the biggest and most respected automotive businesses in Melbourne and we look forward to working with them as our official automotive partner,” Speldewinde explained.

“It’s been an exciting offseason here at FV, with several key partnership signings coming on-board, and we are thrilled to welcome Northern Motor Group to the family.”

This season, partnerships within the Football Victoria pyramid have highlighted immense support from local businesses. With shared identity, values and commitment to the community, partnerships like this are set-up for success.

 

What the partnership will bring

The three-year partnership will look to provide Melbournians and FV staff with a range of benefits, from vehicle access to offers including:

  • 2-years free servicing
  • $500 cash back
  • $500 worth of accessories

Thus, the partnership will look to help locals and participants across FV, reflecting both parties commitment to giving back to the community.

“As enormous supporters of football in Victoria, signing on as Football Victoria’s official automotive partner is something we are very proud of,” said Northern Motor Group Dealer Principal, Nick Soklev.

“For over 40 years, we have been helping Melbournians find the car that is right for them, and we look forward to welcoming he Victorian football community to our dealerships.”

 

Final thoughts

Helping the community, providing exceptional service and creating a welcoming environment – the common values shared by both parties.

For FV and all its participants, Northern Motor Group can be the driving factor which propels football in Victoria to new standards in the years to come.

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