Football Victoria has welcomed the tabling of the Level the Playing Field Parliamentary Petition in the Victorian Parliament, describing the milestone as a powerful demonstration of the football community's united call for greater investment in grassroots infrastructure.
Presented to the Legislative Assembly by Member for Pascoe Vale and Parliamentary Friends of Football Co-Chair Anthony Cianflone MP, the petition was backed by 7,259 Victorians, placing football's infrastructure needs firmly on the parliamentary agenda and calling on the Victorian Government to commit new investment to support the game's continued growth, including the re-establishment of a dedicated World Game Facilities Fund.
Football Victoria Chief Executive Officer Dan Birrell said the petition represented a defining moment for the sport.
"Thousands of Victorians have added their names to this petition because they know our clubs are doing everything they can to keep up with demand, but they cannot do it alone."
"Every signature represents someone who believes football deserves facilities that match the incredible growth we are seeing across the state. It is a strong message that investment in community football is investment in healthier, more connected and more inclusive Victorian communities."
The petition reinforces Football Victoria's Level the Playing Field campaign, which seeks long-term investment in football infrastructure, guided by the Football Victoria Facilities Strategy 2025 to 2035.
The campaign identifies the infrastructure required to support football's continued growth, including new regional football hubs, upgraded natural turf pitches, synthetic surfaces, sports lighting, female-friendly pavilions and improved amenities.
Football Victoria Head of Government Relations Lachlan Cole said the tabling of the petition reflected the collaborative advocacy from clubs, volunteers and the broader football community.
"The petition demonstrates what can be achieved when the football community speaks with one voice."
"Our clubs experience the facilities gap every week. They see growing waiting lists, limited training capacity, ageing infrastructure and increasing demand from women, girls and multicultural communities wanting to participate. This petition ensures those challenges are now formally recognised within the Victorian Parliament."
Football Victoria also acknowledged the bipartisan support shown through the Parliamentary Friends of Football and thanked Anthony Cianflone MP, John Pesutto MP and all Members of Parliament who continue to champion football and recognise the vital role it plays in communities across Victoria.
While celebrating this milestone, Football Victoria said the campaign now enters its next phase.
"The petition has put football firmly on the agenda, but our work is far from over," Birrell said.
"As we approach the 2026 Victorian Election, Football Victoria will continue working with all political parties, councils and levels of government to secure the investment needed to deliver the facilities our communities deserve. We have the evidence, we have the strategy and now we have demonstrated the strength of community support behind it."
Football Victoria would like to thank every player, volunteer, coach, referee, parent, club and supporter who signed and promoted the petition.
Together, the football community has sent a clear message to Parliament. It is time to Level the Playing Field.