The Andrews Labor Government is backing football players and clubs across Victoria with grants to help build new female friendly change rooms, provide lighting at grounds and upgrade pitches.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today opened the latest round of the $20 million World Game Facilities Fund which will provide grants of up to $500,000 to councils and alpine resort boards to deliver shovel-ready projects that will benefit soccer players and club volunteers.
The new 2020-21 round will prioritise investments that support under-represented groups such as women and girls and disadvantaged Victorian communities.
Projects funded in the 2019-20 round included $400,000 towards a new pavilion at the home of the Hume Spears Sports Club – Seth Raistrick Recreation Reserve in Campbellfield – and $125,000 for new lighting at Milpera Reserve, Wantirna – the home of FC Citylife.
Since 2018, the World Game Facilities Fund has invested $9.4 million in 37 game-changing infrastructure projects with a total project value of $25.5 million.
With more than 456,000 participants statewide and Australia set to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, including games at Melbourne’s AAMI Stadium, the fund will help ensure a healthy future for the sport.
The initiative is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to sport and active recreation, gender equality, active lifestyles and stimulating local economies through job creation to make a real difference to local communities.
The Government has invested more than $1 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.
For more information about the World Game Facilities Fund visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/world-game-facilities-fund.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Football is more than just a game – it breaks down barriers and brings communities together and that’s why we’re investing in better facilities to make it easier for all Victorians to get involved.”
“There will be priority support for women and girls so that they have the best facilities to hone their skills as they seek to follow the paths of national team stars like Sam Kerr who will play here in the 2023 FIFA World Cup.”
As stated by FC Citylife president Kevin Tan
“Our new lights mean our players can train in the evening, which is a massive win, and we can host night games.”
As stated by Knox City Council mayor Lisa Cooper
“The number of boys and girls taking up soccer in Knox is fantastic. There are so many new teams, and every team needs a suitable space to train and play.”
