Pictured Left to Right: Kat Theophanous - Member for Northcote, Anthony Cianflone - Member for Pascoe Vale, Lachlan Cole – FV Head of Government Relations & Strategy, Karen Pearce - FV Executive Manager Equity, Growth and Inclusion, John Pesutto - Member for Hawthorn, Yianni Zaparas – FV Director
Football Victoria (FV) is proud to welcome the establishment of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Football, co-chaired by Anthony Cianflone MP and John Pesutto MP.
The new bipartisan group will champion football within Parliament, providing a platform for MPs across the political spectrum to engage with the football community, highlight the growth and impact of our game and support future opportunities for participation and investment.
A key focus will be on facilitating constructive engagement between policymakers, Football Victoria, clubs and key stakeholders to strengthen the sport’s development, infrastructure, visibility and community impact.
The launch of the group coincides with the upcoming release of FV’s Facilities Strategy 2025 to 2035, a comprehensive document outlining the infrastructure and investment priorities needed to meet Victoria’s strong demand for football.
Anthony Cianflone MP reflected on the important role football plays in strengthening communities.
Football truly is the world game. Transcending languages, cultures and backgrounds - there genuinely is no other sport that can bring neighbourhoods, communities, nations and the globe together like football.
Especially now, as we work to keep strengthening our social cohesion through our multicultural and diverse communities, football’s role will only become more important for governments and communities of all persuasions.
That’s why as a Parliamentarian, but also as a son of migrants and lifelong footballer who represented Victoria, I’m absolutely honoured to be co-founding the inaugural Parliamentary Friends of Football Victoria, because our game rightly deserves to be elevated, championed, and considered at the highest levels within the corridors and chambers of the Victorian Parliament.
John Pesutto MP reinforced the bipartisan commitment to growing the game across Victoria.
As an elected representative, I’ve always felt a responsibility to support the world game at every level - from the grassroots clubs that unite our local communities, to the elite competition that showcases the pinnacle of athleticism, determination, and passion inspiring future generations.
From my earliest memories, football has been a part of my life in one way or another - as it has for so many others.
I am proud to be co-founding and supporting the Parliamentary Friends of Football Victoria and hope that as parliamentarians we can all support football’s growth and highlight the sport’s positive social, cultural and economic impact in Victoria.
FV CEO, Dan Birrell welcomed the initiative as a major step towards greater access to football for all.
Football Victoria looks forward to working closely with MPs across the political spectrum to ensure every Victorian; regardless of background, gender, or postcode; has the opportunity to play football, access quality facilities and enjoy the many benefits of the world game.
FV Chair, Dr Angela Williams stressed the importance of the announcement towards enhancing inclusivity.
Football has always been about inclusion, opportunity and community. The formation of the Parliamentary Friends of Football is an important milestone that ensures the voices of our diverse football family are heard in Parliament.
As Football Victoria Chair, I am delighted to see such strong bipartisan support for our game. I know this partnership will help us continue to grow football as the most accessible and inclusive sport in Victoria.
The group will officially be launched at a special event in the Victorian Parliament on Thursday, September 11; bringing together MPs, football leaders and community representatives to celebrate the world game.
FV’s Facilities Strategy 2025 to 2035 will be released October 1 2025.