Investment confirmed for Home of The Matildas in Victoria

Liam Watson
Football Australia and Football Victoria have welcomed the Victorian Government's investment in a world-class Home of The Matildas.

Football Australia and Football Victoria have welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement to invest in a world-class Home of The Matildas at La Trobe University in Bundoora.

After the 2020 commitment of $15 million from the Federal Government, this latest announcement will pave the way towards constructing the Home of The Matildas and Home to Football Victoria – situated in a purpose built, state-of-the-art State Football Centre, alongside a State Rugby Union Centre at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus.

The most significant investment into a community football project in Victoria was made by Acting Premier, the Hon. James Merlino and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, the Hon. Martin Pakula, at the future site of the facility.

The precinct is expected to be ready for the Westfield Matildas before the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.

The facility will be available year-round to provide access to elite training and match facilities for Victorians, suitable for both junior and senior players with five natural, hybrid and synthetic pitches and a purpose-built futsal court.

The announcement that is three years in the making was met with excitement by key members of Football Australia, Football Victoria and the Matildas.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson:

“This substantial commitment from the Victorian Government, combined with the Federal Government’s earlier $15 million contribution to the project, will have a significant impact on the development of women’s football, and football overall, in Victoria and Australia for decades to come. This commitment is also a good launching pad for the Facilities and Infrastructure pillar of our ambitious Legacy ‘23 plan which was recently launched.”

“The high-performance environment that will spring to life on the La Trobe University grounds in Bundoora will feature world-class facilities and amenities that will ensure Victoria can regularly play host to the Matildas, as well as other youth and senior national teams and touring international nations and clubs.

“Crucially, The Home of The Matildas at La Trobe University will not only be a space that caters for the elite levels of the game, but the community and grassroots, too. The site will become home to Football Victoria’s Administration, ensuring consistent, year-round use by the football community through football, futsal, all-abilities, multicultural, and social programs.”

Football Australia Chairman, Chris Nikou:

“Football Australia extends its thanks to everyone that has contributed to this important project – particularly the Daniel Andrews’ Government, the Federal Government, Football Victoria, and La Trobe University. Through true collaboration and partnership, football will soon have a home to be proud of in Victoria – one that is fit for our inspiring national teams, and that our large and diverse participation base deserve.”

Westfield Matildas captain, Sam Kerr:

“This is wonderful news for the Westfield Matildas and the prospect of having a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed for our use is very exciting.”

“The team loves playing in Melbourne and we really look forward to having a dedicated base where we
can train and prepare for matches when we are in Victoria.”

FV President, Antonella Care:

“This is a milestone day for our Victorian football community. The Matildas have captured the imagination
of our nation, establishing themselves as one of Australia’s most loved teams.”

“The team are the ultimate ambassadors for our beautiful game, providing inspiration for football fans of
all ages to step off the sidelines and get in the game.

“FV and Football Australia’s target of 50/50 male/female participation by 2027 is ambitious, but this
announcement provides us with the ultimate launchpad to make that ambition a reality for Victoria.”

Football Victoria CEO, Kimon Taliadoros:

“We’re excited to provide vital infrastructure that will not only support the Matildas, but also support our entire football community, of all ages and all abilities, to follow their football dreams.

“Whether you prefer to play socially with friends, or are on a high-performance pathway, this facility will deliver the platform for all Victorians to live and love football.”

“We thank the Daniel Andrews Government, the Acting Premier of Victoria, The Hon James Merlino, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, The Hon. Martin Pakula, Minister for Women, The Hon Gabrielle Williams and Minister for Community Sport, The Hon. Ros Spence, La Trobe University Chancellor and former Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, and Vice Chancellor, John Dewar, for their ongoing commitment to this vital project. This shared vision will build an enduring legacy for football in our state.”

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Beyond the Game: Why Football Deserves Government Backing

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More Than a Game: Why Football Is a Smart Investment for Australia
Credit: Football Australia website

Early last month, Football Australia announced its ‘Securing our Football Future’ policy proposals, worth an estimated $2.8 billion.

The plan aims to strengthen Australia’s most popular team sport by partnering with all levels of government, including the federal level, over the next five to ten years.

There are several key reasons why Football Australia is calling for major government investment.

The organisation says there’s a growing infrastructure gap that’s holding the sport back.

This shortfall is making it difficult to meet rising demand, support grassroots programs, build stronger communities, and elevate the game from local fields to the global stage.

Other reasons include funding future football tournaments and creating a positive social impact across local communities.

Investing in sport can sometimes raise concerns, especially given the estimates put forward by Football Australia.

But many other benefits often go unnoticed, and these could bring long-term value to the entire nation.

Export of Football Education:

One compelling reason for the government to invest in football is its potential to boost the export of football education.

In 2023–24, Australia’s broader education sector brought in $51.03 billion in export income, making it the country’s fourth-largest export industry.

In fact, in just June 2023 alone, education exports added $10.8 billion to the national economy.

With the right support, Football Australia could tap into this space by developing and exporting football education programs—such as coaching courses, youth development systems, and sports science frameworks—to overseas markets.

For instance, a formalised Football Australia Coaching Curriculum could be licensed or sold internationally.

Germany offers a successful example: the German Football Association (DFB) regularly hosts coaching workshops and certification courses for international coaches.

Twice a year, the DFB runs programs for coaches from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, helping them earn A and B licenses. If Australia were to take a similar approach, the financial benefits could be substantial.

Just like traditional education exports, football education could grow into a valuable niche industry. Beyond revenue, such investment would also help develop homegrown expertise.

By focusing on football education, Australia could build a strong domestic pipeline of skilled professionals in coaching, sports technology, and high-performance management.

In short, government support for exporting football education could deliver long-term returns—economically and in developing global football leadership from within Australia.

Tech Industry:

Another reason for the government to invest in football is its potential to boost Australia’s tech industry. At first glance, funding Football Australia might not seem like it has much to do with tech, but there are actually several ways this kind of investment could benefit the broader technology sector.

According to the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) 2024 Sports Innovation Report, Australia’s sports tech industry is now worth $4.69 billion — a more than 10% increase from the previous year.

ASTN also notes that the sportstech sector in Australia is moving into its “maturity stage” — a phase where strong investor interest and high profitability are expected.

This is something the government could help accelerate by supporting football.

One example is the development of smart stadiums.

This involves installing technologies like AI-powered analytics and high-speed 5G networks to enhance fan experiences, improve stadium operations, and support the growth of connected sports environments.

Smart stadiums aren’t a new concept in Australia — Sydney’s Allianz Stadium is a great example — but continued government investment could help the country catch up with leaders like the U.S. and the U.K. in this space.

Other areas of sportstech include AI and data analytics, particularly for player performance and injury prevention.

Investment in this area would drive demand for data scientists, software engineers, and AI specialists.

There’s also the potential for digital fan engagement, backing AR/VR, apps, and gamified fan platforms to stimulate software and gaming sectors, all of this adds up to some major benefits.

Financially, it could boost tech exports, attract international partnerships, and bring in foreign investment.

On a broader scale, it could help raise Australia’s profile as a global hub for sports tech innovation.

Plus, it would promote diversity, inclusion, and public interest in tech — helping to build a stronger, more future-ready economy.

So, by investing in football, the Australian government can not only support a beloved national sport but also accelerate the growth of a thriving sports tech industry — driving innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness in the process.

Stronger Ties with Asia:

A final reason for the government to invest in football is that it can help strengthen Australia’s ties with Asia.

Back in 2006, Football Australia made the strategic decision to leave the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) — even though it was a founding member — and join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The move was driven by the difficulty of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup through the OFC, where Australia often had to win tough intercontinental play-offs.

Joining the AFC gave Australia a more direct path to qualification through Asia’s automatic spots — and nearly two decades later, the Socceroos have qualified for every World Cup since.

Now by increasing investment in football, the Australian government isn’t just supporting the sport locally — it’s also using it as a smart way to build stronger diplomatic, cultural, and economic connections with countries across Asia.

It gives the Australian government a chance to use sport as a tool for international engagement, particularly major events like the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which Australia will host.

The tournament is expected to draw over 24,000 international visitors and reach hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

More importantly, it offers a platform for Australia to create lasting connections with countries across Asia — both on and off the pitch.

Football Australia’s “Securing our Football Future” policy highlights how the government can use this event to support sports diplomacy initiatives — by building formal partnerships with other AFC nations.

There are plenty of benefits to this kind of regional engagement through football.

Hosting international matches and tournaments helps bring in tourists and showcases Australia as both a sporting powerhouse and a culturally inclusive nation.

Supporting Football Australia also reinforces the country’s leadership role in the region — aligning with broader foreign policy goals to integrate more deeply with Asia’s growing economies and communities.

Conclusion:

So, increased government investment in Football Australia could deliver far-reaching benefits, not just strengthening grassroots sport but also boosting economic sectors like education, technology and enhancing regional ties with Asia.

By recognising football as more than just a game, Australia has the opportunity to turn it into a powerful engine for innovation, diplomacy, and national growth.

FQ Annual Report 2024: A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth

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Image Credit: Football Queensland

Football Queensland’s (FQ) 2024 Annual Report, Refine Today, Progress Tomorrow, outlines ambitious goals for the state’s leading team sport. With over 280,000 overall participants and 308 affiliated clubs, the report highlights a year marked by substantial participation growth, expansion of the elite path, and meaningful engagement with Queensland’s diverse footballing communities.

Participation Soars – Especially Among Women and Girls

One of the report’s most noteworthy results is the unprecedented increase in participation, notably in the women’s game. FQ had over 90,000 female participants, a rise generated by the momentum of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and facilitated by FQ’s ‘One Football’ policy, which aims for gender balance by 2027.

FQ’s developmental initiatives, including MiniRoos, Girls United, and Female Football Week, have undoubtedly yielded results, with a 34.4% increase in girl-specific programs and a 26.9% increase in participation for all abilities.

“Football isn’t just a game to me—it’s my passion and my purpose,” said Leif Charlton, a 2024 TAFE Diploma student, illustrating the state’s growing appreciation for opportunity.

From Grassroots to Global – A Connected Pyramid

A properly defined competition environment serves as the foundation for this expansion. The interconnected structure extends from FQPL 3 to the premier NPL Queensland tier, with promotion and relegation promoting competitive integrity. At the same time, new initiatives such as the Kappa Pro Series and the Mitre FQPL Champions League provide more high-performance opportunities, particularly for regional and female athletes.

Football Queensland’s collaboration with Brisbane Roar, particularly through the FQ Academy and QAS alliance, continues to provide career prospects for young talent.

“It’s fantastic to see Brisbane Roar and Football Queensland working together,” said Brisbane Roar A-League Women’s Head Coach Alex Smith.

Queensland’s growing national influence is demonstrated by performances such as the ParaMatildas’ 2024 IFCPF World Championship victory and futsal’s return to the national scene with the NFC held in Queensland after 18 years.

Financially Sound, Strategically Focused

FQ’s finances were solid in 2024, with the 11th straight surplus of $291,505, thanks to prudent leadership and increasing commercial earnings. Revenue increased from $8.8 million in 2020 to over $20 million, allowing FQ to maintain or lower club fees while boosting infrastructure and development assistance.

This disciplined expansion has enabled FQ to address one of its most significant continuing challenges: infrastructure. While state funding per football player still lags behind other codes, notable gains include $6 million for women’s facilities, a $35 million lease on the Nudgee sporting hub, and various council-backed synthetic pitch initiatives.

FQ’s general manager for government relations, Chris Rawlinson, emphasised that the organisation’s lobbying activities in state and federal legislatures are helping transform chronic underinvestment into actual progress.

“We’ve seen real progress in providing better facilities, and the government funding secured has been staggering,” the report noted. 

Coaching, Refereeing, and Safeguarding the Game

FQ also provided more than 2,800 coach education sessions and increased referee development under its 2024-2026 Referee Strategy. This includes the FQ Referee Academy, regional exchanges, and female-specific training.

“Knowing I successfully handled a high-level match like the Kappa Queensland Cup Final has greatly boosted my confidence,” shared referee Nefertiti Kurzelewska.

In addition, FQ has prioritised a safer playing environment by establishing a three-strike penalty to safeguard officials and improve sideline conduct.

Media, Engagement and the Football Identity

In 2024, FQ increased its emphasis on digital interaction and storytelling. Campaigns such as Queensland’s Most Picturesque Ground and the Football in Queensland Awards Night boosted brand visibility across conventional platform as well as social media. Events such as the Queensland Football Convention showcased the state’s emerging football identity, bringing stakeholders together to discuss the game’s future.

Looking Ahead: Operational Plans Driving Strategy

FQ’s successes are based on the developing ‘One Football’ strategy, which has now been translated into tangible action through the recently announced Operational Plans. These plans serve as a road map, matching macro and micro goals for player development, infrastructure, and competition structure.

“When we talk about the One Football Strategy, we’re not just talking about something static,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci noted in the report.

“It’s about evolving with the times and the needs of the football community… actively tracking progress and ensuring we’re making meaningful moves at every level of the game.”

Conclusion: Refining for Tomorrow, Building for All

Football Queensland’s 2024 report makes a convincing argument for the organisation’s future, one founded on equitable growth, elite development, and substantial infrastructure investment. Its outlook is positive.

However, obstacles exist, particularly in bridging regional differences and ensuring long-term infrastructural funding.

Football Queensland is well-positioned, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching and grassroots enthusiasm growing. What is evident is that Football Queensland is not just expanding the game; it is also creating a more connected, resilient, and egalitarian football future for all Queenslanders.

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