Tara Murray
The next stage of Essendon Football Club’s high performance training centre in Tullamarine is a step closer.
The state government announced on Thursday that they had committed $6.28 million funding to complete its stage two development project of the NEC Hangar.
The second part of the development will have a huge focus on providing facilities for female footballers.
The centre will incorporate training and competition facilities, as well as space to host community programs to support women and girls in sport.
The project will see the development of three unisex change rooms and one dedicated AFLW change room, purpose-built women’s medical, meeting and match-day facilities, a function centre and community education hub and health clinic.
The centre will also continue to be the home of Paralympics Australia’s Victorian office.
The Commonwealth Government and Essendon Football Club have also provided funding towards the project.
Essendon President Paul Brasher said the funding would enable the club to grow its commitment to women’s football.
The Bombers have reaffirmed their commitment of having an AFLW team, as soon as 2022.
“This funding will enable us to deliver an integrated elite and community sporting precinct,” he said.
“Essendon Football Club will now boast best-practice, dedicated women’s football facilities for our VFLW and women’s pathway programs as we prepare to secure our AFLW licence.
“Essendon is committed to providing opportunities for women and girls to participate in our great game.
“Facilities will also be available to support the development of young talent and coaches in our local football leagues, the Essendon District Football League and the Riddell District Football League, as well as participants in our Next Generation Academy.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said women and girls were the big winners in the Bombers’ project.
“This exciting project will inspire more women and girls to get involved in sport and develop their skills,” Mr Pakula said.
“More women and girls are playing football than ever and players in Melbourne’s northern suburbs deserve quality facilities in which to hone their craft.”
Brasher said the funding will also be used to enhance the presence and capacity for vital community services, events and facilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, multicultural communities and the wider community in the north-west corridor.
