Progress underway in Geelong’s push for a regional football hub

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Regional Football Hub in Geelong: A New Era
Image Credit: Football Victoria

Football Victoria has welcomed recent engagement with Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Richard Marles MP, as well as ongoing discussions with State Member for Lara Ella George MP, City of Greater Geelong Councillor Eddy Kontelj, and other key regional stakeholders, as part of a growing movement to establish a dedicated Regional Football Hub in Geelong.

Recent advocacy has underscored Geelong’s rapid population growth and rising football participation rates. Current data reveals a clear infrastructure gap, with no high‑quality, multi‑pitch venue capable of hosting major events and programs, unlike other key regional centres.

State Member for Lara, Ella George MP, voiced her strong backing for the proposed hub, stating:

“We’ve seen massive growth in football across Geelong in recent years – particularly as the Matildas continue to inspire the next generation of women and girls!”
She added,
“One opportunity is a future Regional Football Facility in Geelong – a world class sporting facility that could support more statewide community competitions and deliver elite football events to Geelong. And I’d love to see this in Geelong’s North!”

Football Geelong Chair Mike McKinstry and Deputy Chair Rob Palmaricciotti continue to rally support from the local football community, drawing the attention of Cr Eddy Kontelj, who remarked on the “support, enthusiasm and commitment to deliver such an important piece of infrastructure in the north of Geelong [as] extremely encouraging.”

Beyond the Regional Hub, Football Victoria’s advocacy extends to ensuring long-term, sustainable local infrastructure that meets growing demand, from grassroots programs and community football to talent development pathways.

Planning continues in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, including early-stage master planning and consultation for key sites in Geelong’s south such as the new Coastside Drive Recreation Reserve and future upgrades at Sovereign Drive Reserve. These projects add to the upcoming delivery of works at Drysdale Sports Precinct and the new Devlin’s Road Reserve, developments partly funded following the recent federal election.

As these new sites come online, Council’s ongoing support will be critical in addressing demand across Geelong’s high-growth corridors and creating opportunities for the next generation of footballers.

“We’re excited to be working with all levels of government and local leaders who recognise the role football plays in bringing communities together,” said Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Strategy, Lachlan Cole. “Our shared vision alongside the City of Greater Geelong is about more than just pitches – it’s about delivering inclusive, accessible, and future-focused facilities for people to referee, coach, play, and connect.”

With continued collaboration and united advocacy, Geelong is positioning itself to meet the needs of its thriving football community, now and into the future.

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Football NSW announce price freeze for junior and youth players

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has announced a fee freeze for junior and youth community players in 2027, continuing its pledge to keep the game accessible for everyone across the state. 

In addition, senior players aged 19 and above will see their registration fee increase by just $1.50. Both junior and youth player fees will remain the same at $54.43, whilst senior members will pay $107.50.

The fee freeze highlights Football NSW’s commitment to keeping the game financially convenient for both players and families. 

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, said via Football NSW, “Football is the game of the people, and we recognise the importance of keeping participation accessible for families across our state. By freezing our registration fees for junior and youth players in 2027, we are continuing to support the next generation of footballers and help ensure that cost is not an unnecessary barrier to participation.”

The decision comes following similar price freezes at Football Queensland and Northern NSW Football in 2025. 

Despite the governing bodies acting separately, their unity on maintaining affordability throughout the game is a welcome sign. Managing to keep fees at an fair rate for families is a key component in sustaining grassroots football across the country.

“We have worked hard to manage the pressures facing the game, particularly around insurance, while ensuring Football NSW can continue to deliver the services and support our clubs, associations and participants expect,” said Tsatsimas. 

Despite the cost of living crisis, it is important that the game remains accessible for everyone. Football NSW have identified that even during tougher financial times, they can keep it that way. 

Through diligent financial handling, especially with care surrounding insurance and inflation (more of which can be read here), they are prioritising the game long-term over a short financial gain.

This fee freeze will directly impact the senior players and the families of younger members, too. The decision makes football not only more accessible, but provides more opportunities for players to strive for the highest levels of the game. 

Football Victoria demands more Victorian Government support amid grassroots boom

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Marlborough Street Reserve. Credit Football Victoria

Football Victoria is targeting Victorian Government funding for Glen Eira FC, in order to improve the club’s facilities and accommodate a recent surge in participation.

The interest and demand in football across Melbourne is ever growing, and Glen Eira FC is one such example.

Located in Melbourne’s inner south-east, the club has more than 1,100 players with nearly 95% of them aged 18 or under. In the suburb of Bentleigh alone, football participation has increased 18% alongside female engagement growing 76% in recent years.

However, at Marlborough Street Reserve, the conditions of the pitch – specifically during winter – can curb accessibility. Wet weather, non-stop usage and limited capacity make it difficult to accommodate all club members. This results in restricted training and playing opportunities.

Lachlan Cole, Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Facilities, said via Football Victoria: “The story at Glen Eira FC is one we are seeing right across Victoria and specifically in Metropolitan Melbourne. Participation is growing, particularly among juniors, women and girls, but the infrastructure needed to support that growth is buckling under the weight of demand.”

To tackle this, both Football Victoria and Glen Eira FC want to convert the existing pitch to a synthetic surface and provide improved lighting for the ground. This would create a more reliable environment for players and support the growing demand for football in that community.

Speaking to Football Victoria, Glen Eira FC President Odilia Wijburg said, “A new sporting precinct with a synthetic pitch would be a game changer, providing year-round access, supporting participation growth and creating a lasting community asset that will benefit local families for generations.”

These issues are not exclusive to just Victoria, but are instead seen nation-wide. Football NSW recently pledged over AUD 200,000 to three amateur clubs to help upgrade their facilities and support the local communities.

Despite the increased interest in the game, the lack of reliable infrastructure, especially in grassroots football, leaves not only local areas without proper facilities, but creates a complicated road for young players hoping to navigate to the top of the game. 

Without the support of the Victorian Government, grassroots football could suffer an underwhelming fate. If the game is not supported from the bottom, the top might not reap the rewards of the next generation. And if that happens, alongside local communities, both the domestic leagues and the international team may suffer.

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