The 480-player strong Barwon Soccer Club will have its cramped changerooms replaced with new female friendly clubrooms thanks to $150,000 from the Andrews Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Minister for Sport John Eren today announced the funds at Barwon Soccer Clubs home at Grovedale Recreation Reserve.
The project is one of more than 90 to receive a boost from the flagship fund that recently received a $60 million boost from the Victorian Budget 2018/19.
With more than 350,000 participants, the world game is as popular as ever in Victoria and the Labor Government is getting on with delivering accessible, safe and modern facilities for our growing communities.
Barwon Soccer Club has seen a recent boom in numbers, with almost 80 females now playing for the club. However, the current ageing pavilion has been struggling to meet the demands of the growing numbers.
The new, bigger and better club rooms will come complete with female friendly change facilities and additional storage space. Nearby schools and community groups will also have access to the new pavilion.
Across Victoria we’ve invested more than $420 million in community sport and recreation facilities, and earlier this year provided almost half a billion dollars in the Victorian Budget to support sport and active recreation at all levels.
Minister Eren acknowledged the City of Greater Geelong and the Barwon Soccer Club for its commitment and financial contribution to the project.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Growing numbers of boys and girls, men and women are signing up to play football at local clubs like these, however many clubs are struggling with inadequate facilities.”
“Women deserve the same opportunities as men – we’re making sure change rooms are up to scratch at venues like Grovedale Recreation Reserve.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Women’s sport is booming in Geelong so we’re making sure that women and girls have the facilities they need and deserve”
“Our Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is giving local clubs like Barwon SC the facilities they need to cater for the growing number of locals who want to play the sports they love.”
Quote attributable to Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Dr Bridie O’Donnell
"Providing modern facilities is such an important factor in increasing participation for Victorian women and girls and I welcome today's funding boost that’s set to inspire even more females to join a club, have fun, and get active in Geelong.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020