The Victorian Government has announced that the 2020-21 round of The World Game Facilities Fund is now open, giving clubs across the state the opportunity to improve their facilities.
The $20 million fund has already completed two rounds of funding in previous years, delivering $9.4 million to 37 game-changing projects with a total project value of $25.5 million.
Established in 2018, the World Game Facilities Fund is a state-wide Victorian Government investment program that funds the development of high-quality, accessible community football infrastructure.
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.
Funding will assist local football clubs and organisations working with their Local Government Authority to upgrade existing or develop new facilities across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria to support the sustainability and growth of football.
Grants of up to $500,000 (per Local Government Area) towards lighting, pitch redevelopments, synthetic pitches and female-friendly change rooms will be available under the fund.
For this 2020-21 round of funding, a particular priority will be on those applications where there is a focus on providing better facilities for women and girls. This round of applications is open now and will close on February 19, 2021.
Football Victoria president Kimon Taliadoros said the program was essential in helping provide the infrastructure the sport needs to flourish.
“It is no secret that football has suffered from decades of chronic underinvestment and this $20 million package is the result of a commitment from the Andrews Government to change that.”
“We’re at the half-way point of The World Game Facilities Fund and it’s clear that this program is already having a direct impact on our football facilities. We’re excited to see which projects will be funded next and strongly encourage Clubs and LGA’s across Victoria to submit their applications.”
“Our sport is the sport of choice for hundreds of thousands of Victorians, be they women, men, girls, boys, across all ages and abilities and from the most diverse communities imaginable. To give them the experience they deserve, our facilities must be of the highest standards.”
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said football had a unique role to play in getting Victorians from all walks of life active and engaged.
“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.”
Football Victoria is committed to assisting all clubs and LGAs with their applications, including technical and strategic advice and providing supporting documentation.