World Game funding boost benefits grassroots Clubs


Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty speaking at Colchester Reserve

The Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty today announced seven successful applications for funding from the Victorian Government’s Strengthening the World Game Program.

Making the announcement at Colchester Reserve, home of the Boronia Junior Soccer Club, said the Club was one of several to benefit from the latest round of funding.

“As elite clubs and international competitions wrap up their seasons, the Victorian Government is proud to ramp up its support for soccer at a grass roots level,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This funding boost will help local soccer clubs like Boronia accommodate the growing numbers of community members keen to pick up where their heroes have left off and get out on to their local parks, join a club and have a kick.

“That’s why we’re proud to have already invested over $3.8 million from the Strengthening the World Game Program to 46 separate projects, so even more clubs can accommodate more people at better facilities,” he said.

FFV’s Government Relationship Manager Maria Berry said that FFV is excited by the support for football that these facilities projects represent. “We greatly appreciate the commitment by the State Government and local Councils to invest in community football. We know the need is great – lack of facilities is the number one issue holding back the growth of our sport. The demand to play is high but many clubs are unable to service this demand through lack of pitches, change rooms and lighting.”

Ms Berry urged other clubs and Councils to act now to take advantage of the Strengthening the World Game Program’s funding opportunities. “The closing date for applications for Round 5 is coming up fast – 7 June. If you have a facilities project that can help improve participation then move quickly!” FFV offers an advisory service and clubs and Councils planning projects are advised to contact Maria on 9474 1800.

Projects funded in the recently announced Round 4 of the program include:

• $100,000 to Knox Council to install lighting for two pitches and training area at Boronia Junior Soccer Club’s Colchester Reserve.
• $100,000 to Brimbank Council to install training lighting at St Albans Soccer Club’s Churchill Reserve.
• $84,900 to Casey Council to install and upgrade lighting at Casey Comets’ Cranbourne Racecourse Recreation Reserve.
• $100,000 to Darebin Council construct lighting at two new soccer pitches under construction at Darebin International Sports Centre.
• $60,000 to Moonee Valley Council to redevelop change rooms at JH Allen Reserve in East Keilor for use by the Essendon United SC
• $100,000 to Warrnambool Council to upgrade Lighting for Warrnambool Wolves
• $100,000 to Bayside Council to upgrade the pavilion at Shipston Reserve for Bayside Argonauts Soccer Club and Beaumaris Soccer Club

Last updated: Thursday May 19, 2011 4:28PM

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