Premier League club to build purpose-built women’s stadium

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Image credit: Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion announced yesterday plans to construct the first purpose-built women’s stadium in the UK and Europe, aiming for opening in the 2030/31 season.

A landmark moment

Part of a ‘built for her’ drive, the stadium will join the CPKC Stadium (home to the Kansas City Current) and Denver Summit’s planned stadium as one of three purpose-built stadiums across the globe.

Furthermore, the venue, located next to the Amex Stadium, will provide a variety of bespoke facilities designed to support female athletes, staff and supporters within the club. From pitch standards to performance preparation and recovery, facilities will fit around the athletes – not the other way around.

Women’s Managing Director, Zoe Johnson, commented on the importance of the planned development.

“The prospect of a bespoke stadium, built exclusively for women’s players, staff and supporters, is incredibly exciting,” Johnson said via official media release.

“It will help us push forward our ambitions to compete consistently both domestically in the Women’s Super League, and also in European club competition, while helping us to attract key staff and grow a passionate fan base.”

A step forward for Brighton’s women’s team, but also an exciting vision of the future of the women’s game across the world.

 

‘Built for her’

The stadium plans reflect an important distinction that the women’s game in the UK is not just ‘in development’, but a powerful, valuable and successful asset in its own right.

By constructing a home specifically designed not only to host football matches, but to welcome female athletes, staff and supporters, Bright & Hove Albion will hopefully encourage many more across the UK, Europe and beyond to do the same.

This is a stadium built on ambition and commitment to the women’s game.

“A stadium ‘built for her’ is an ambitious statement of intent – it’s an exciting commitment and will establish Brighton & Hove Albion  on the global map as a genuine home for the women’s game,” outlined Chair of Albion Women, Michelle Walder.

“Delivering these plans is central to accelerating the long-term growth of our women’s team and the future of the wider game.”

Moreover, as the 10,000 capacity stadium will link with the existing Amex Stadium through a new bridge link, both venues will grow more connected in operations and on matchdays, while still maintaining unique identities and fan demographics.

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Melbourne City expand youth program with Hallam Secondary College

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Image credit: Melbourne City FC

The school will join the City Futures Program in its mission to consolidate pathways and community bonds for students.

From pupils to players

Hallam is the latest school in Melbourne’s South-East to join the City Futures Program. Also backing the program’s ambitions are Narre Warren South P-12 College, Gleneagles Secondary College and Timbarra P-9 School.

Partnerships between professional clubs like Melbourne City and local schools help to promote community connection, as well as providing pathways from the classroom to the stadium.

“City Futures is about creating genuine opportunities for young people to stay engaged in their education while feeling connected to something bigger,” said Head of Community, Sunil Melon, via press release.

“By bringing the Club into schools and providing access to our environment, we’re helping students build confidence, explore future pathways and see what’s possible both within football and beyond.”

Gone are the days when young players must choose between football and education. Through the City Futures Program, they can enjoy both worlds and still have the opportunities to develop.

 

What City Futures provides

Hallam sudents will be at the centre of the benefits provided by the connection to Melbourne City.

For example, high-quality coaching sessions delivered twice a week will instill confidence and teamwork skills into young participants. And as Melbourne City coaches are set to deliver the sessions, the students will truly learn from the best in Australia’s footbal landscape.

Furthermore, participants can visit Casey Fields, home to the City Football Academy, where they can experience the ins and outs of how an A-League club operates and trains.

“We’re proud to be part of the City Futures Program,” outlined Acting Principal at Hallam Secondary College, Shelly Haughey.

“Seeing our students come together and commit to their training is setting them up for success both on and off the pitch, and we look forward to building a strong and lasting partnership with Melbourne City FC.”

 

The future of football pathways

This isn’t the first – nor will it be the last – partnership to connect football and education in Australia.

Earlier this year, Queensland-based John Paul College embarked on an exciting journey with Spanish outfit, RCD Espanyol, to provide unique coaching support, player education, and pathway opportunities.

But these partnerships aren’t merely about giving young talents a place in the starting XI.

They are designed to ensure all participants develop into confident young people – whether their future lies on the pitch, in the dugout or in the boardroom.

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.

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