Following an extensive assessment of potential sites across the Geelong region and a detailed council approval process, Football Victoria (FV) is pleased to confirm Sutcliffe Reserve in Corio as the preferred site for the future Geelong Regional Football Hub (GRFH) - a transformational project set to supercharge the growth of football across Victoria’s west.
In 2020, FV commenced an extensive review of football infrastructure across the region, which identified a critical need for a dedicated facility to support the long-term sustainability of the game in Victoria’s west. FV subsequently undertook a comprehensive assessment of potential sites across the Geelong region.
FV’s 2022 infrastructure review examined participation growth, existing facility capacity, current population figures and future population forecasts across the region - which highlighted a significant pitch-to-population shortfall that is increasingly limiting football’s ability to meet demand. Based on 2025 population projections, Geelong currently has just one football pitch for every 6,971 people, significantly below the recommended industry benchmark of one pitch per 5,000 people.
The Geelong Regional Football Hub represents a once-in-a-generation investment in football infrastructure that will unlock new participation opportunities, strengthen community connections, support talent development pathways and ensure the game can continue thriving across one of Victoria’s fastest-growing corridors.
Located just 10 minutes north of the Geelong CBD, Sutcliffe Reserve provides the ideal foundation for a world-class football facility that will support the region’s rapidly growing football community for generations to come.
The proposed development will feature five pitches with two seated stands overlooking the two main pitches, two pavilions, a large open social space for viewers to gather, a kitchen and bar, media spaces and changeroom facilities for players and match officials.
Designed as a premier regional football destination, the GRFH will provide an elite multi-purpose venue capable of hosting local Geelong football competitions, grassroots participation programs, coach and referee education, talent development activities, FV Country Championships, NPL Victoria Men’s and Women’s competitions and major cup and school football competitions.
FV CEO Dan Birrell celebrated the milestone for the Geelong region.
“This is a brilliant result for the sport in Victoria and the start of something truly exciting for football in Geelong and the surrounding area,”
“Now that our preferred site has been approved, it’s time for us to move into the next phase - and that’s seeking funding to bring this facility to life.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has played a role in the project to date, including our partners at the City of Greater Geelong."
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj is excited to see the transformational potential a football hub will bring to the region.
“With more than 7,370 registered players across the Geelong region, the scale of demand is undeniable. A regional football hub would be genuinely transformational.
“It would drive participation across all genders, abilities and levels of the game, strengthen education and development pathways, attract major events and tournaments, and deliver lasting social and economic benefits for Geelong and the broader region.”
Geelong Deputy Mayor Eddy Kontelj has long been a vocal advocate for a Geelong Regional Football Hub and looks forward to seeing it come to life.
“For years, players, clubs, volunteers and administrators have been saying the same thing: Geelong has outgrown its existing facilities, and the need for a purpose‑built regional hub is both real and urgent. This report confirms that view.”
With the preferred site now confirmed, FV will continue working closely with all levels of government and key stakeholders to develop a robust funding and delivery plan for this landmark project, as momentum continues to build ahead of the upcoming state election.