Football Victoria (FV) congratulates Preston Lions Football Club, who were awarded the Metropolitan Club of the Year for the 2022 FV Community Awards.
In nine years, Preston has grown from 35 participants to more than 350, with a diverse community that encompasses more than 40 different cultural backgrounds.
The Club has built a thriving junior’s framework, hosting over 350 junior participants in 2022 across its MiniRoos, Juniors and Lions Cubs (for 4–6-year-olds) programs.
Furthermore, the Club invested heavily in making football as accessible for as many families as possible. Preston provided a free footballing experience for those in need through the Junior Subsidy Program, which alone equated to $25,000 in support.
Preston Lions President, David Cvetkovski was thrilled to receive the award on behalf of the Club.
“It’s a privilege to lead this club as we continue this amazing transformational journey to be a destination club for a diverse array of aspiring footballers, their parents, families, our key stakeholders and the broader community. It has been critical as a club coming out of the pandemic that we provide our community with the required sporting outlet and support that brings so much joy and happiness," he said.
In addition to juniors, the Lions community has made a concerted effort to provide pathways for women and girls to play our great game. Female participation was up 30% in 2022, a result that is a testament to Preston’s dedication to gender equity and equal opportunity.
FV would like to commend Preston on its dedication to female football, which strongly aligns with FV’s commitment to achieving 50/50 gender participation by 2027
Preston Lions President, David Cvetkovski was thrilled to receive the award.
“As a club we are humbled to have received this prestigious FV award, we are driven by our longer term strategy that will ensure we continue to deliver sustained success. As a club and community, our success will be measured by our impact off the field, more than on the field," Cvetkovski added.
A cornerstone for Preston’s success on and off the park has been its focus on uniting the local community through a shared passion of the game. The board has emphasised transparency at all levels and maintains a high level of communication with its members about plans, resources and ambitions.
With the desire to become a true destination Club, Preston is continuing to invest in ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy football in a welcoming environment that optimises development and high performance.
Looking ahead to 2023, Preston will be launching an indigenous strategy specifically designed for its juniors. Led by Senior Men’s Captain Benji Lyvidikos, a young indigenous leader in his own right, the Club will enter a tri-partied agreement that will create deep linkage to young indigenous families and children wanting to participate and enjoy the game of football, fully funded with built in mentoring, buddy and leadership coaching.
The award was presented at last Friday’s Community in Business Full-Time Luncheon at Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields.