Football Victoria has welcomed recent meetings with Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Richard Marles MP, and ongoing discussions with Ella George MP, City of Greater Geelong Councillor Eddy Kontelj, and other key regional stakeholders, to champion the development of a dedicated Regional Football Hub for Geelong.
Recent advocacy efforts have highlighted Geelong’s rapid growth and increasing football participation, with data for the region highlighting the lack of a high‑quality, multi‑pitch facility able to host prominent events and opportunities like other major regional centres.
Find out more about the proposed Geelong Regional Football Hubs
State Member of Lara, Ella George MP, highlighted her support of the critical infrastructure noting “We’ve seen massive growth in football across Geelong in recent years - particularly as the Matildas continue to inspire the next generation of women and girls!”. Further commenting that “one opportunity is a future Regional Football Facility in Geelong - a world class sporting facility that could support more statewide community competitions and deliver elite football events to Geelong. And I’d love to see this in Geelong’s North!”
Football Geelong Chair Mike McKinstry and Deputy Chair Rob Palmaricciotti have continued their efforts in uniting the local football community behind the project, catching the attention of Cr Eddy Kontelj who noted the “support, enthusiasm and commitment to deliver such an important piece of infrastructure in the north of Geelong is extremely encouraging.”
This important advocacy work for football in Geelong doesn’t stop with the potential Regional Football Facility, and is also focused on delivering long-term, sustainable, local infrastructure that meets the growing needs of football in the region - from grassroots participation through and community programs through to talent development.
Further planning works in partnership with the City also include early-stage master planning discussions and consultation for key future sites in Geelong’s south, including the new Coastside Drive Recreation Reserve and further developments at Sovereign Drive Reserve, in addition to the upcoming delivery of projects at Drysdale Sports Precinct and the new Devlin’s Road Reserve, partly funded on the back of the recent federal election.
These sites and the ongoing support of Council will be critical to meeting demand in high-growth areas and supporting the next generation of footballers across Greater Geelong.
“We’re excited to be working with all levels of government and local leaders who recognise the role football plays in bringing communities together,” said Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Strategy, Lachlan Cole. “Our shared vision alongside the City of Greater Geelong is about more than just pitches - it’s about delivering inclusive, accessible, and future-focused facilities for people to referee, coach, play, and connect.”
The Geelong football community continues to grow rapidly, and this united effort across all levels of government aims to ensure that planning and future facilities are in place to match that passion.