More local clubs, kids and community organisations will get the facilities they need, with a re-elected Andrews Labor Government announcing $20 million for upgrades to community soccer facilities across Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government has already delivered the biggest boost to women’s and community sport in Victoria’s history, with $225 million in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to improve clubrooms, build better facilities and help more people play the sport they love.
Building on this record investment, a re-elected Labor Government will expand, the World Game Facilities Fund to ensure local soccer clubs and organisations continue to have access to funding for lighting, turf pitch redevelopments, synthetic pitches and unisex accessible change rooms.
Currently, the maximum amount that can be accessed through the fund is $250,000, but a re-elected Labor Government will increase that to $500,000 to help clubs undertake more significant works to meet the increasing demand for soccer facilities all over Victoria.
For several years Football Victoria has been considering the need for investment into a new, dedicated State Football Centre, which could lead to Victoria becoming the home of the Matildas and a third Victorian A-League team potentially based in Melbourne’s suburbs.
To help make this a reality, the Labor Government is also providing $200,000 for a business case to investigate and develop a State Football Centre. Funding for the business case will be made available immediately.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“The growth of the world game all over Victoria is truly staggering and we need to keep funding more infrastructure if we’re going to keep up with demand.”
“No sport is growing quicker than soccer – that’s why we need a dedicated fund to ensure players aren’t being turned away by overcrowded clubs.”
Quotes attributable to Football Federation Victoria Chairman Kimon Taliadoros
“We welcome today’s election commitment which would provide a significant boost to the game across Victoria.”
“An extended World Game Facilities Fund would play an important role in improving and adding much-needed football facilities across the community, particularly as the game continues to experience strong growth at all levels particularly among women and girls.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020