The Victorian Government has announced the opening of the 2021-22 World Game Facilities Fund, with $20 million kicking in for community football infrastructure.
Minister for Sport Ros Spence says the funding round would provide up to $500,000 to local councils and alpine resort boards to deliver shovel-ready projects including sports lighting, new pitches and female friendly change rooms.
“Football is more than a game and we’re making sure men and women and girls and boys of all ages and abilities have the facilities to play the sport they love,” said Minister Spence.
Funded projects from the 2020-21 round include $500,000 for a new satellite pavilion at the home of Box Hill United Pythagoras Soccer Club at Sparks West Reserve and $500,000 for two new pitches with 100 lux LED lighting at the home of Bacchus Marsh Soccer Club at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve.
The Government also contributed $420,000 towards a new competition ground with 100 lux lighting at the home of Mt Eliza Soccer Club – Emil Madsen Reserve.
“These new facilities will allow the club to grow female participation and have its training and matches at the one
venue – it’s a terrific boost for the local community,” said Mt Eliza Soccer Club President, Justin Sheppard.
Since 2018, the fund has invested $13.2 million for 48 sport infrastructure projects across Victoria with a total project value of more than $41 million.
With Australia to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, the fund provides a valuable injection for grassroots football clubs to replace ageing facilities and attract more locals keen to emulate their home-grown heroes.
“Pre-pandemic, Victoria was leading the pack when it came to grassroots football participation, especially among
women and girls,” said Football Victoria CEO, Kimon Taliadoros.
“Initiatives like this give Victorians even more reason to come back to the game in record numbers.”
For more information about the World Game Facilities Fund visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.
