Bentleigh Greens Soccer Club is celebrating the confirmation of major investment in the future of women’s football, with $1.5 million from the Australian Government and additional funds from the City of Kingston committed to building a brand-new pitch dedicated to growing the women’s game.
The new pitch — to be constructed at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex — will feature state-of-the-art lighting, enabling extended training hours and evening matches. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the facility ready in time for the 2027 season.
This investment will bring the total number of pitches at Kingston Heath to five, making it the largest football facility in Melbourne’s south-east.
The announcement comes as the club continues its concerted effort to grow the women’s game, with over 700 players now registered across all programs.
Demand for pitch space has been a persistent challenge, particularly for the club’s expanding female teams. The new pitch will directly address this issue, allowing Bentleigh Greens to host more matches, expand training opportunities, and provide a dedicated space for women and girls to thrive.
“Football Victoria are grateful to the Member for Isaacs, Mark Dreyfus MP, and the Federal Government for this investment through the Play Our Way funding stream, which reflects the incredible growth in football participation not only at Bentleigh Greens, but across Victoria, particularly among women and girls, and underlines the urgent need for more fit-for-purpose facilities across Victoria,” said Football Victoria Head of Government Relations and Strategy, Lachlan Cole.
“The FV Facilities Strategy highlights the need for ongoing support from all levels of government to keep pace with the growing demand for football and ensure every player has access to quality spaces to train, play and connect.”
Bentleigh Greens President Abraam Gregoriou said: “This is a transformational moment for our club and for women’s football in Melbourne’s south-east. We’ve worked hard to grow the women’s game, but pitch availability has been a real barrier. This investment changes that.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Australian Government and the City of Kingston for backing our vision. This new pitch will help us grow even further and make Kingston Heath Soccer Complex the premier football destination in the region.”
Football Victoria Metro Development Coordinator - Growth and Programs Greg Hurvitz applauded the club for their hard work, persistence and commitment to growing the game in the women and girls' space.
"The team at the Bentleigh Greens have long been advocates for equity in our sport, and this funding reinforces the Club's ambitions of growing the women’s game in Melbourne's South-East.
"We look forward to seeing the project come to life at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex and are excited about what it means for the future of the sport for women and girls in Victoria."