Football Victoria welcomes the start of construction on the Gippsland Sports & Entertainment Park redevelopment, a major boost for football in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland, funded by the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
Construction getting underway with head contractor Building Engineering marks a major milestone in creating a modern, inclusive, and top-quality home for football in the region.
Lachlan Cole, FV’s Head of Government Relations & Strategy, said the upgraded Gippsland Sports & Entertainment Park is a flagship project that will provide local clubs and the wider Latrobe Valley football community with top-quality facilities and boost Gippsland’s ability to host regional tournaments and events.
“This is a crown jewel project for regional football in Victoria,” he said in a press release
“The upgraded Gippsland Sports & Entertainment Park will ensure that local clubs like Falcons 2000, Gippsland United FC and the wider Latrobe Valley football community have the facilities they deserve to grow and thrive, while strengthens Gippsland’s capacity to host regional tournaments and showcase events.”
The GSEP site holds a special place in Victoria’s football history, from the proud legacy of the former Morwell Falcons SC in the old NSL, to the lasting impact of the late Don Di Fabrizio OAM, a respected community figure who led the club as president from 1969 to 1994 and served as a Commissioner for the Australian Soccer Federation (ASF).
In honour of his legacy, the new grandstand pavilion will continue to carry Di Fabrizio’s name, acknowledging his significant contributions to the local football community.
The redevelopment will feature a new grandstand pavilion with accessible change rooms and facilities, upgraded pitches with improved lighting, a new change facility, and expanded parking. The project is also expected to boost the local economy through job creation and new opportunities for local businesses during and after the construction phase.
Cole also stated that Football Victoria is proud to partner with the government and the local football community on this upgrade, and thanked key ministers and agencies whose support has been vital in getting the project underway.
“Football Victoria is proud to partner with key government stakeholders and the local football community on this transformative upgrade,” he said.
“We thank Minister Shing, Minister Spence, and the Allan Labor Government for their continued investment in football and regional sport infrastructure.
“The vision and support of Sport and Recreation Victoria, Development Victoria, and Latrobe City Council has been instrumental in getting this project off the ground.”
The upgraded precinct will remain a central hub for the Latrobe Valley Soccer League, the Gippsland Referees Branch, and the next generation of regional football talent, supporting both community football and Football Victoria pathways and events.
Football Victoria looks forward to the project’s completion in late 2026 and the lasting impact this investment will have on Gippsland football for years to come.
