Football Victoria (FV) is proud to announce that the Level the Playing Field Parliamentary Petition has been launched, offering clubs and participants an opportunity to have their voice heard in the Victorian Parliament daily.
Parliamentary petitions are formal requests to the Parliament to take action on specific issues. They allow members of the public to present their concerns and raise awareness about various matters.
The Level the Playing Field petition is a major moment for football in Victoria as it formally puts the scale of the sports growth - and the facilities gap holding it back - on the floor of Parliament.
A petition of potentially tens of thousands of Victorians sends a clear message that community football has outgrown its infrastructure and now needs a coordinated, statewide response.
SIGN THE LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD PARLIAMENTARY PETITION
If acted on, this petition would help unlock the next phase of footballs growth in Victoria by aligning government investment with FV’s Level the Playing Field campaign and the FV Facilities Strategy 2025 to 2035.
That means more investment into our clubs, to build safer, more inclusive and female-friendly facilities, and more opportunities for clubs to say “yes” to players - not turn them away - for the next generation of Victorians.
The petition has been launched with the full support of State Labor Member for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone and Liberal Member for Hawthorn John Pesutto, both of whom are proud members of the Parliamentary Friends of Football group.
FV Head of Government Relations & Strategy Lachlan Cole called upon everyone involved in football to sign the petition and have their voice heard.
“This is an incredible chance for everyone who loves this sport to try and make a difference to its future.
"With the launch of the Level the Playing Field Parliamentary Petition, we can guarantee that the needs of football is heard in State Government every sitting day.
"As participation levels continue to explode, it is crucial that our facilities are as good as they can be to ensure that, when Victorians choose to play this sport, they are registering at club's that can provide them with the best possible football experience."
FV CEO Dan Birrell looks forward to tracking the petition entries and acknowledged that this is a crucial time for the sport.
"As the Victorian State Election looms, it is critical that football is as high on the priority list with our government officials as possible and this petition ensures that is the case.
"Whether you're a coach, a player, an official, a volunteer, or a parent, I urge everyone to get on board and sign this petition.
“This is our opportunity to unlock the funding we need to ensure the sport continues to grow for generations to come.”
FV is calling upon all participants, club officials, supporters and football lovers to show their support for the growth of the sport by signing and sharing the Level the Playing Field Parliamentary Petition now.