Football Victoria has confirmed the establishment of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Football, co-chaired by Anthony Cianflone MP and John Pesutto MP.
The group aims to champion football within Victorian Parliament to provide a platform for MP engagement in the football community, as well as boost future opportunities for participation and investment.
The Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Football’s will also assist in productive engagement between policymakers, Football Victoria, football clubs and key stakeholders to build on the sport’s development, infrastructure, visibility in the state and community impact.
John Pesutto MP, mentioned by stating his belief as an elected representative, he’s responsible for supporting football at every level.
“From my earliest memories, football has been a part of my life in one way or another – as it has for so many others,” he said via press release.
“I am proud to be co-founding and supporting the Parliamentary Friends of Football Victoria and hope that as parliamentarians we can all support football’s growth and highlight the sport’s positive social, cultural and economic impact in Victoria.”
Football Victoria CEO, Dan Birrell, has welcomed the parliamentary group’s initiative towards a larger access to football for all.
“Football Victoria looks forward to working closely with MPs across the political spectrum to ensure every Victorian; regardless of background, gender, or postcode; has the opportunity to play football, access quality facilities and enjoy the many benefits of the world game,” he said via FV press release.
The group will have an official launch on 11 September, at a special event in Victorian Parliament alongside MPs, football leaders and community representatives of the sport.
The launch will coincide with the release of Football Victoria’s Facilities Strategy 2025-2035, a document which thoroughly looks into infrastructure and investments needed for the state’s strong demand for football.
The initiative and audit started by Football Victoria, and in collaboration with insideEDGE Sport & Leisure Planning, is set to inject much-needed upgrades into sporting venues across the state, including regional and rural areas.
The release of the document and the establishment of the parliamentary group will benefit clubs and venues that host football teams at all levels, many of which have previously missed out on essential funding and support.
By pinpointing and funding Victoria’s most underrepresented sporting clubs, the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Football and Football Victoria can enrich the state’s sporting community throughout the 10-year roadmap promised by the football body.
Football Victoria’s Facilities Strategy 2025-2035 will be released 1 October 2025.
