This week, Football Victoria announced that the state government will be investing nearly $22 million into footballing facilities across the state.
With junior participation rates at an all time high in Australian soccer, now appears to the perfect time to maximise resources in the industry.
Here is the media release in full:
Football Victoria welcomes the Victorian Government’s 2019 Budget commitment of $21.6 million for community football facilities across the state.
The announcement includes $20 million for The World Game Fund over the forward estimates, and, coupled with other State Government funding initiatives and recent local government contributions, secures more than $118 million for football facilities across Victoria.
Football Victoria CEO Peter Filopoulos said grassroots facilities funding was vital for enabling the future of many local clubs struggling to meet booming participation demands.
“The 2019 Victorian Government Budget commitment is great news for our game and a testament to our approach of working hand-in-hand with government for many months.
“But more needs to be done. When you consider population growth and the ongoing rise in participation rates, football will need the equivalent of another 420 full size pitches by 2026”, he said.
Mr Filopoulos said that in addition to supporting local facilities, Football Victoria was also seeking to work with the State and Federal Government to secure funding towards a state-of-the-art facility for the Westfield Matildas, and a home for football in Victoria.
Football Victoria has received expressions of interest from various local government authorities seeking to host the proposed development including the cities of Brimbank, Casey, Darebin, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, and Greater Shepparton. La Trobe University has also made a formal submission as part of redevelopment plans at its Bundoora campus
“While we’ve secured $200,000 in State Government funding towards a feasibility study for a Home of Football and $15 million from the Federal Government, we know more will be required to get this designed and delivered.
“Just as we’ve worked with the Andrews Government to ensure the game has the support it needs at the grassroots, we’re reaching out to government to ensure our Matildas – Australia’s favourite national sport team – can have their home in the sporting capital of the world”, Mr Filopoulos said.
For more information on Football Victoria’s Local Facilities strategy and the Home of Football campaign, please visit https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/.
*ENDS*
This is sure to be a worthwhile investment, one that will significantly improve the sport of soccer in Victoria and down the line, for all of Australia.
