Hume and Whittlesea need updated soccer pitches and amenities, with Football Victoria (FV) setting out a bold wishlist for the next decade of football facilities across the state.
Outlined in FV’s newly released 2025-2035 Facilities Strategy Framework, the document paints a picture of what the future of grassroots football could look like, with FV highlighting a need for brighter lights, better pitches and modern, inclusive club amenities.
The laundry-list of football improvements comes amid surging participation in the sport, with numbers jumping by 43 per cent since 2022. Yet despite the growth, the sport continues to lag behind in infrastructure needs, with one pitch available for every 7000 players, which sits behind the industry benchmark for one per 5000 players.
For the north, the report highlights a strong desire for new and improved local facilities to meet with the growing demand.
FV has flagged the need for a mix of new football fields, lighting projects, synthetic upgrades and all-gender amenities to support inclusion across both municipalities.
In Whittlesea, FV’s report highlights a need for new football facilities for Ashley Park Reserve and Central Wollert Sports Reserve (Alkira), a synthetic pitch upgrade at Hillsview Recreation Reserve, and improved lighting at Painted Hills Reserve to enhance safety and play conditions.
A Whittlesea council spokesperson told Star Weekly plans for football upgrades and works are continuously ongoing.
“Council liaises with Football Victoria when planning and delivering upgrades to its football facilities,” they said.
“Both the Hillsview Reserve Synthetic Pitch and Painted Hills Reserve floodlighting upgrade are in council’s capital works program for delivery this financial year and we will continue liaising with Football Victoria regarding these.
“Council has also allocated funding to progress the design for new facilities proposed at Ashley Park Reserve and Central Wollert Sports Reserve (Alkira). Council will liaise with Football Victoria regarding the design as well as funding support for these facilities.”
Meanwhile, in Hume, FV envisions a synthetic pitch renewal at ABD Stadium, a major upgrade and new all-gender facilities at Bradford Avenue Reserve, and fresh football pitches for Dwyer Street Reserve and the Merrifield West Precinct. Gibb Reserve and Langama Park are also earmarked for new inclusive amenities to support equal participation across all levels.
Hume council was contacted.
FV chair Dr Angela Williams said the vision reflects the organisation’s commitment to growing the game for everyone.
“With an ever-growing population, we can’t afford to have football facilities across our state fall further behind,” Dr Williams said.
“At the heart of this vision is a commitment to creating environments where players of all ages, genders and backgrounds can thrive.”
FV’s wishlist now calls on councils, community clubs and all levels of government to help bring these dreams to life.
