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Altona City SC has revealed three new upgraded pitches and a new pavilion at their home ground, HC Kim Reserve, with help from a government investment of $800,000.
The new works at HC Kim Reserve included a complete rebuild of pitch one and irrigation upgrades for pitches two and three. This will ensure improved surface quality and consistency, safety, as well as more capacity and opportunities to boost women and girls’ participation.
The newly added pavilion is female-friendly and features six change rooms, umpire facilities, a first aid room, dividable multi-purpose social space and storage.
Altona City SC shared their appreciation to all parties involved in a heartfelt statement on their media platforms.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the State Labour Government and the Hobsons Bay City Council. Your unwavering support and generous funding has made our dream of new club rooms and sports grounds a reality. This project signifies not only the growth of our club but also the strengthening of our community,” the club said via their social media accounts.
“A special thank you to The Honourable Melissa Horne, Member for Williamstown. Your dedication and commitment to our community have been truly inspiring. We are immensely grateful for your support.
“This new facility is more than just a building; it is a beacon of hope and a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. It will serve as a hub for young athletes, families, supporters, members and all past players fostering a sense of belonging and pride for many years to come,” the club said.
Melissa Horne, Member for Williamstown, said the new upgrades at HC Kim Reserve will make sure all players at Altona City SC can continue to develop and create more opportunities for locals to play.
“The pitch upgrades and new pavilion will ensure Altona City and other members of the community can ramp up training and development and create more opportunities for locals of all ages and abilities to participate in football,” she said via Football Victoria media release.
With the club having to play at three different ‘home’ grounds this season, which included The Home of Matildas in Bundoora, Altona City SC have finally returned home with a new and improved upgrades to their facilities.
The unveiling of the new pitches and pavilion at HC Kim Reserve will also help the club further its development and will also attract more locals around Hobsons Bay to come play for the club while aiming to increase female participation.
Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed Mackay Football Park as the host venue for the 2026 FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival, scheduled for the 14th to 17th of April.
Backed by the Mackay Regional Council, the event unites FQ’s five Regional Academies across the Northern and Central Conferences. This expanded four-day schedule marks a significant shift in regional programming. It allows for a greater volume of match play and enhances talent identification windows for technical staff.
Strengthening the Regional Pathway
The Carnival serves as a critical junction in the state-wide pathway. FQ Technical Director and Player Development, Tom Laxton, emphasized the event’s role in exposing players to new competitive environments.
“The Inter-Conference Carnival remains a key foundational element of the regional FQ Academy pathway,” Laxton said. “Expanding the Carnival in 2026 to four days reinforces our commitment to delivering more meaningful opportunities.”
Importantly, the FQ Academy stands as the only pathway in Queensland recognized by Football Australia for national selection. This event ensures equity amongst regional talent whom often fly under the radar of high-performance scouts. The extended format also benefits referees and coaches, providing a longer window for development and assessment.
Economic and Regional Impact
The partnership with Mackay Regional Council highlights the economic value of youth football tourism. Mayor Williamson noted the expanded timeline benefits the local visitor economy.
“By expanding the carnival to four days, it gives visitors a much better opportunity to explore what our region has to offer,” Williamson said.
The event draws players, support staff, and families from across the northern half of the state. It positions Mackay Football Park as a central hub for elite youth development in Queensland.
Registration and scheduling details regarding the 2026 FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival will be released here as they emerge.
The club, based in Caroline Springs, Melbourne, updated fans with a sneak-peek into the newly revamped Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve.
Embracing development
The prospect of new and improved facilities at Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve is one which should excite fans and players alike.
Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve. Image credit: Westside Strikers FC / Facebook
“Turf installation has now been completed on Pitch 1 and our home ground is looking incredible,” the club said via social media announcement on Thursday.
“With only the grandstand due to be completed in the coming months, almost 5 months of hard work has led to this transformation.”
With the backing of the City of Melton, the improvements made to the facilities are proving to be thorough and extensive. The club revealed just over a month ago that lighting upgrades and installations, irrigation and drainage systems for all pitches, ground fencing and coaches boxes had all been completed.
Furthermore, by giving supporters insight into the progress being made at the club, it will no doubt help to stir up even more excitement and anticipation for when the project is completed in the coming months.
Facilities which align with ambitions
While they proudly remain a community-focused club, Westside Strikers FC is no stranger to rapid growth and expansion.
Initially established in 2014 for talented junior footballers, the club has evolved into one of the largest community football clubs in Melbourne’s West. In just over 10 years of operating, they have expanded into a network of over 600 players across the Men’s, Women’s, Miniroos and Metropolitan teams.
Therefore, as a club aiming to grow and support the careers of local talents from junior to senior level, it is only right that their facilities are built to accomodate such ambitions. By providing their players with high-quality pitches and updated facilities off the pitch, Westside Strikers FC can continue pursuing and nurturing excellence on it.
Furthermore, the developments reflect Westside Strikers’ genuine commitment to giving back to those who make the club special: the fans. By constructing a new grandstand for spectators, Westside Strikers FC is ensuring that everyone in the community is made to feel included in the club’s ambitions going forward.
