Football Victoria (FV) has announced the creation of the Level the Playing Field Parliamentary Petition, aiming to bring football-related issues from pitch to Parliament. It has already received the backing of State Labor Member for Pascoe Vale, Anthony Cianflone, and Liberal Member for Hawthorn, John Pesutto.
The petition designed to ‘Level the Playing Field’
Parliamentary petitions are designed to help highlight important issues, bringing them to the attention of Parliament.
Furthermore, they ensure that the voices of the wider public and local community can be heard, which is why the launch of Level the Playing Field Parliamentary Petition is so crucial. If football is to develop statewide, the issues currently facing the game must be addressed not only by members of FV, but by policymakers in the Victorian Parliament.
By establishing the Parliamentary Petition, efforts to improve football in Victoria for current and future generations will be unified.
Ultimately, when all members and stakeholders across the state collaborate under this shared vision, change becomes an inevitability, not just a possibility.
What could the petition help to improve?
If the community joins forces and individuals make their voices heard by signing the petition, it could help initiate a new era of growth and progression for football across the state.
For example, issues regarding funding allocation and sufficient infrastructure could be addressed with the help of government investment. As participation continues to rise across men’s, women’s and youth football, it is paramount that club facilities in Victoria are able to keep up.
FV Head of Government Relations & Strategy, Lachlan Cole, has encouraged all involved in the game to back the petition.
“This is an incredible chance for everyone who loves this sport to try and make a difference to its future,” Cole said via official press release.
“With the launch of the Level Playing Field Parliamentary Petition, we can guarentee that the needs of football is heard in State Government every sitting day.”
A crucial time to make progress
Although high participation numbers indicate an optimistic future for the game in Victoria and beyond, clubs and state associations must remember that, when it comes to building sustainable teams and pathways, nurturing talent is just as vital as attracting it.
Most importantly, building safe, appropriate and sustainable facilities for men’s and women’s teams will ensure that Victoria can help develop the potential Socceroos and Matildas of the future.
Football is a game for everyone, but we must remember that this idea will remain just that, if not put into practice. Hopefully, Level the Playing Field can encourage the Victorian Parliament to back genuine, manifested change in football across the state.
