Premier

Labor Secures The Best Of Masters Footy For Geelong

30 June 2017

The Andrews Labor Government has landed yet another sporting coup for Geelong with a national footy carnival for masters players heading to Simonds Stadium.

Minister for Sport John Eren joined Member for Geelong Christine Couzens at Kardinia Park today to announce funding to help stage the AFL Masters National Carnival at the iconic ground from 2-7 October this year.

AFL Masters is the premier event for mature footballers across the nation, featuring a men’s and women’s competition.

Up to 1,500 players aged 30 and over, as well as 300 coaches from all states and territories, will travel to Geelong for the week long carnival. The average age of participants is 47.

Since it was established in 1980, AFL Masters has grown to 119 teams from around Australia. It’s designed for people to keep fit and above all have fun – whether they’re a novice or footy stalwart.

Sporting coups like these mean serious business for Geelong – they strengthen the local economy and give visitors from around the country an opportunity to see all this region has to offer.

It’s why the Labor Government is working to bring more big sporting events to regional Victoria to drive visitation, create jobs and keep local businesses busy.

With the final upgrade of Kardinia Park now on the horizon, fans can look forward to seeing more big-ticket blockbuster events and some of the world’s best athletes in their own backyard.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“Bringing the best mature footballers to Kardinia Park will inspire others and reinforce that it’s never too late to lace up the boots and play the sports you love.”

“Hosting the AFL Masters is another major sporting coup for Geelong – delivering a fantastic boost for local tourism, jobs and the economy.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“With Simonds Stadium now the premier sporting arena in regional Australia, Geelong fans can look forward to even more big events in their own backyard.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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