Football Victoria (FV) is thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone for Mount Martha Soccer Club, as the club officially moves into its new home at the Civic Reserve Sports Pavilion.
The state-of-the-art facility, which also accommodates Mornington Little Athletics and Mornington Peninsula Athletics Club, marks a new era for local sport on the Mornington Peninsula.
An opening ceremony was held on 13 February with FV Regional Development Coordinator Jackson Landy, Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh, Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro and club representatives gathering for the event.
Landy explained the redevelopment was "well-deserved" for the growing football participation in the area.
"Mount Martha SC are leading the way in female participation and quality programs in the area, and this development is a just reward for their sustained efforts throughout their 10 year existence," he said.
"We look forward to seeing how they utilise the brand new facility throughout the coming years."
McIntosh told The News, Mornington Peninsula, the new building provided the perfect base for the clubs to increase local memberships, train, compete, and develop programs at the ground.
“These volunteer-run clubs are an integral part of the community, and they deserve modern facilities they can be proud of,” he said.
“The female friendly pavilion opens up more opportunities for participation and provides the perfect foundation for local clubs to grow, and for the community to host big events.”
The $10.5 million pavilion provides Mount Martha SC with much-needed infrastructure, creating an inclusive and welcoming space for players, coaches, and supporters. It features four female-friendly change rooms, referees’ facilities, a multi-use social space, first aid and meeting rooms, and ample storage. The facility will help the club continue to grow and enhance its programs, ensuring more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in the world game.
The new pavilion was made possible through a $6.5 million investment from the Mornington Peninsula Shire, with an additional $4 million provided by the State Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. This funding ensures that clubs like Mount Martha SC have access to modern, sustainable, and accessible sporting facilities.
As grassroots football continues to expand across Victoria, the Civic Reserve Pavilion stands as a testament to the power of community investment in sport. Football Victoria congratulates Mount Martha Soccer Club on this exciting new chapter and looks forward to seeing the club thrive in its new home.