Football Victoria (FV) welcomes the implementation of the Fair Access Policy Roadmap unveiled by the State Government to allow equal access to community sporting facilities.
The roadmap will advance gender equality in community sport with councils to ensure people of all genders have equal access to grounds, facilities and convenient times.
From July 1, 2024, the funding criteria for community sport infrastructure will require gender equitable access in place and by October, all local governments in Victoria are expected to have equal gender access in place for community sports infrastructures.
FV CEO Kimon Taliadoros said the announcement was “a major step forward” with female participation high on FV’s agenda.
“We look forward to working with councils and Clubs to ensure the roadmap can be achieved and all female players are afforded equal opportunities,” he said.
“The upgrade in community facilities by 2024 will go a long way to help us reach our goal of reaching gender parity by 2027.
“Football can bring people together from all walks of life and this is another step in ensuring our game remains accessible for everyone.”
FV president Antonella Care was ecstatic with the State Government’s roadmap.
“This is a crucial step forward for female athletes across Victoria,” she said.
“As we approach the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New ZealandTM on home soil, the fair access roadmap should help accommodate the next generation of female footballers as they begin their sporting journey.”
The step forward in equal opportunity ties in with Football Victoria’s long-term target of 50/50 gender participation balance by 2027.
FV is striving to drive change in the football industry and ultimately develop women leaders at all levels in our game – players, coaches, referees, and administrators.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said she was “excited” to launch the Fair Access Policy Roadmap.
“While the growth of women’s and girls’ participation in community sport has been tremendous,” she said.
“It has also highlighted the ongoing challenges many members of our community still face around access and use of facilities and infrastructure.
“The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring everyone has the same access and opportunities when it comes to sport and active recreation.”
The State Government has allocated a further $88 million in the 2022 budget to upgrade community sport infrastructure.