Victorian Government launches female football network

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Football Victoria
Image provided by Football Victoria

The Victorian Government has officially unveiled a new female football networking group, Our Game Network – Victoria for the state.

Our Game Network – Victoria’s aim is to unite Victoria’s footballing public to share ideas, celebrate the game, learn, and continue to challenge gender biased attitudes which exist in sport. The group strongly aligns with Football Victoria’s (FV) Strategic Plan 2019-2022 which set the ambitious strategic objective to reach 50:50 gender equity by 2027.

A sold-out crowd packed into the Royal Brighton Yacht Club to connect, network and build relationships with other members of the football community.

Hosted by Andrea Swain, Football Victoria’s (FV) Women and Girls Manager, the night was headlined by a line-up of guest speakers who shared their experiences and discussed the ongoing need to grow women’s and girl’s football.

The event was launched to coincide with last week’s #OneYearToGo Campaign, celebrating what is an exciting and pivotal time for female football as the countdown begins toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2022.

Former Commonwealth Bank Matildas stars Melissa Barbieri and Tal Karp discussed their journeys and the influence networking and mentoring is having on the next generation. In addition, the ‘Leading the Change’ panel featured Dr Brent McDonald (Victoria University), Radmila Dyson (Officer City SC), Andrea Blair-Dempsey (Phillip Island SC) and Joanna Charaktis (FIFA Assistant Referee).

The group spoke in-depth about the Change Makers Program and the positive influence it was having within Victorian Clubs, changing attitudes and implementing gender equity across all areas of football.

Karen Pearce, Executive Manager Equity, Growth and Inclusion also addressed the room, discussing Legacy 23, the importance of community engagement and the vast impact clubs can have when uniting to drive positive change.

Overall, more than 110 guests attended, making the night a spectacular success.

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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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