Victorian Parliament Establishes Parliamentary Friends of Football Group

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Image credit: Football Victoria

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.

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Football Victoria Backs Campaign to Shield Junior Players from Gambling Harm

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More than 600 sporting clubs across Victoria have enrolled in a state government program designed to limit young players’ exposure to gambling, with Football Victoria now urging its community clubs to join before a late-July registration deadline.

The Love the Game initiative asks clubs to formally commit to a set of principles: refusing sports betting sponsorships, developing internal harm prevention policies, and building environments where coaches, parents and players are equipped to discuss gambling risks with children.

The program’s public health rationale has a sharper statistical edge than its community-facing materials suggest. A 2025 study of Victorian secondary school students aged 12 to 17 found that nearly 30% had gambled at some point, and among those who had gambled in the past year, 7.5% met the criteria for problem-gambling and a further 26.8% were classified as ‘at-risk’. The research, commissioned by the state government and published earlier this year, also found that students exposed to gambling venues and advertising were more likely to gamble or to do so in a risky manner.

The most recent Victorian Population Gambling Study found that Victorians aged 18 to 24 are the group least likely to gamble overall, yet carry the highest rates of harmful gambling across all age groups. Young people aged 18 to 34 are around five times more likely to bet on sports than older cohorts.

When the data lands at the clubhouse door

Football Victoria’s support for the program reflects a broader recognition within community sport that participation rates and club culture are connected. The environments clubs create shape whether young people stay in sport and what norms they carry with them into adulthood. For football specifically, which draws participants across a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, that responsibility is not evenly distributed. Approximately 440,000 Victorians, or 8.5 per cent of the state’s population, are classified as being at some risk of experiencing problem gambling.

The Victorian Government’s program gives clubs more than symbolic membership. Registered clubs receive practical tools to develop governance frameworks around gambling harm, resources for coaching staff and volunteers, and standing as part of a growing network of clubs taking a formal position on the issue.

Researchers have described the current framing of gambling harm as a matter of personal responsibility as inadequate, arguing it is a public health issue requiring a systemic response. Community football clubs, with their reach into households across the state, are one of the institutional levers available to make that response visible.

Melbourne Victory driving strong partnerships with BYD

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The innovative vehicle manufacturer will join the Victory family as a Major Partner and Exclusive Motor Vehicle Supplier in a 12-month deal.

 

Elite performance, accessible for all

The alliance between Melbourne Victory and BYD reflects both parties’ commitment to progress, efficiency and high performance. It brings together two organisations who share vision and values, two fundamental aspects of any successful partnership.

On one hand is a rapidly growing and community-connected manufacturing company with over 100 sites, intent on providing reliable vehicles to Australian families. On the other, a successful club in the heart of Melbourne, with ambitions to progress on the pitch while regularly engaging with the community.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, commented on the strong foundations of the partnership with BYD.

“Founded only a decade apart, there is a shared history of, and ambition for, continued accelerated growth between Melbourne Victory and BYD.”

“Not only is there a clear alignment of our vision and values to lead, unite, connect and inspire, but a mutual commitment to creating a better future for our communities.”

 

Delivering for the community

As part of the partnership, BYD’s branding will feature on Victory’s home and away jerseys, as well as across the Academy, media and Community assets.

Moreover, the agreement comes as a response from Victory to members and fans’ wishes for not just any vehicle partner, but one which is appropriate and coherent to their day-to-day lives. And as BYD Australia Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Collins, explained, the new energy vehicle manufacturer is driving far more than just passengers.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Melbourne Victory, a club that shares our relentless drive for performance and innovation,” expressed Collins.

“As the exclusive vehicle supplier, we’re not just providing new energy mobility; we’re supporting the team’s journey towards a more sustainable future.”

New energy, new partner and new ambitions for Melbourne Victory, who will compete on the international stage next season in the AFC Champions League Two.

And with a partner like BYD to back them, players and fans in the Victory family will be hoping it is the start of a journey to success.

 

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