Football Victoria is developing a state-wide strategy to guide the future planning and development of football facilities and infrastructure.
As the game continues to grow, we must plan for the future needs of our sport and create welcoming, inclusive and functional places to play.
The Football Victoria Facilities Strategy 2025-2035 will deliver a 10-year road map for football facility development projects and sustained participation growth.
Project Objectives
- Understand existing football facility provision and condition and assess against the football facility guidelines.
- Assess the current and future demand for football and identify key facility needs and gaps across Victoria
- Establish an aligned vision for facility planning and investment with state and local government stakeholders
- Develop a strategic framework for the future planning and development of football infrastructure across metropolitan, regional and rural areas of Victoria.
Who is Involved
The input of the football community and stakeholders is vital in shaping the future of football infrastructure across Victoria.
Football Victoria will invite a range of key stakeholders to participate in the project, including member clubs and leagues, futsal
and indoor providers, and local government authorities and land managers.
Peak bodies including Football Australia, Sport and Recreation Victoria and Office for Women in Sport will also be engaged to ensure alignment with state and national strategic priorities and policy direction.
The Strategy will be delivered by leading sports consultancy insideEDGE Sport & Leisure Planning.
Project Stages
- Stage 1: Project Initiation - Q1 2025
- Stage 2: Analysis & Scoping - Q2 2025
- Stage 3: Stakeholder Engagement - Q2 2025
- Stage 4: Final Strategy - Q3 2025
Our Football Facilities
Football Victoria staff recently completed an audit of all facilities across Victoria. The data and information collected will inform the development of the Strategy and help to identify priority projects.
Below is a snapshot of facility information from the audits:
- 500+ venues venues and 1,000+ pitches (800+ full size pitches)
- 61% of pitches have lighting 100 lux or above
- 87% of venues have player change facilities
- 74% of player change rooms are considered suitable for use by all genders
Project Engagement
Football Victoria member clubs and futsal providers in metropolitan and regional areas were invited to engage through a range of consultation methods.
InsideEDGESport and Leisure Planning have delivered on-line club workshops and surveys to gather information on facility needs, gaps and priorities.
Victorian LGAs were invited to attend both online and in person forums within their regions to provide input on local opportunities and challenges for football infrastructure.
Stakeholders that were unable to attend will be provided the opportunity to complete an on-line survey to ensure that all views and facility aspirations were considered.
Industry Consultation Update
Football Victoria (FV) and insideEDGESport & Leisure Planning have complete a comprehensive review of background information, facility audit data, membership and participation statistics, population projections and key government strategies.
We are now continuing to advance the development of our Facilities Strategy, with consultation sessions now underway. We are actively engaging with key stakeholders, including Football Australia, the State Government, Sport & Recreation Victoria, the Office for Women in Sport & Recreation, and our Clubs and Associations, to ensure the strategy reflects the needs of the football community.
As part of this process, engagement sessions have been held with all Victorian Local Government Areas (LGAs) throughout March and April. These sessions will inform the next phase of the strategy, with a further update and draft strategy to be shared in the coming months.
Club Consultation
Clubs and Associations have played a vital role in shaping the future of football facilities across Victoria. All clubs were invited to contribute their insights via a comprehensive facilities survey, with feedback helping to ensure that the Facilities Strategy supports the growth and sustainability of our game for years to come.
Progress Update
Football Victoria is now progressing to the next phase of the Facilities Strategy development. Following a strong response and valuable input from stakeholders across the football community, we are currently collating all feedback and data received. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to progress this important initiative.
Stay In Touch
For further information about the project please contact:
LACHLAN COLE
Project Manager
Head of Growth and Development
Football Victoria
E lachlan.cole@footballvictoria.com.au
P (03) 9474 1865
JAKE MCMINN
Project Consultant
Senior Consultant
insideEDGE Sport & Leisure Planning
E jake@ieslp.com.au
W ieslp.com.au