The Victorian Government is backing even more budding Matildas and Socceroos, investing in community football infrastructure across the state.
The Victorian Government has announced that the 2021-22 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 three rounds of funding in previous years, delivering $13.2 million to 48 game-changing projects with a total project value of more than $41 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.
This year’s round of funding will be open until 5pm on October 27, 2021.
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 Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve, the home of Bacchus Marsh Soccer Club.
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.
This 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.
With Australia set to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, the fund provides a valuable opportunity for grassroots football clubs to replace ageing facilities and attract more locals keen to emulate their home-grown heroes. This initiative is part of the Government’s work to boost sport and active recreation, gender equality, encourage active lifestyles and create jobs.
Football Victoria Chief Executive Kimon Taliadoros said the program was pivotal in assisting Clubs to recover after the significant impact of COVID-19 on community sport.
“Pre-pandemic, Victoria was leading the pack when it came to grassroots football participation, especially among women and girls. Initiatives like this give Victorians even more reason to come back to the game in record numbers.”
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said it was essential that all football participants had access to quality facilities, regardless of their age or gender.
“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.”
Mt Eliza Soccer Club President Justin Sheppard said the investment from the last round of funding had already made a demonstrable difference to the community.
“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.”
Football Victoria is committed to assisting all clubs and LGAs with their applications, including technical and strategic advice and providing supporting documentation.
For more information on the program, including details of how to apply, please visit: