Football Federation Victoria welcomes funding for new sports lighting

Football Federation Victoria has welcomed the announcement of $230,400 towards new lights at Bendigo’s Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve and the Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park in Castlemaine.

The projects are two of the 25 initiatives currently being implemented under the Victorian Government’s World Game Facilities Fund, which includes more than $5 million in funding for local football facilities across the state.

Football Federation Victoria Chief Executive Peter Filopoulos said the announcement is a reminder that Bendigo is one of Victoria’s fastest growing football hubs, advising “our participation data tells us the regions are home to some of the highest football participation rates in the state. With more juniors, and more women and girls playing in Bendigo than ever before, it’s clear football is growing in popularity, and that our sport has a significant role in supporting cohesive and healthy communities.”

Filopoulos said the funding announcement is also a demonstration of what can be achieved when football works hand-in-hand with government and local communities, adding “football is only as strong as it’s grassroots communities. And it’s grassroots communities need the support of businesses and local and state government to be strong and to grow to game.

“As the nation’s largest participation sport, it’s crucial that we invest in upgrading and increasing facilities for our clubs which play a vital role in enabling people of all cultures, ages and abilities – including record numbers of women and girls - to play the game they love.”

The Victorian Government has also established a new low interest loans scheme to help fund new and upgraded sports and recreation facilities.

Sports clubs, local government authorities and sporting associations are among those eligible for loans from $500,000 to $10 million to assist with their projects.

Projects might include aquatic leisure facilities, sports stadiums, community sport precincts, synthetic sports surfaces, skate parks and BMX tracks.

Victorian Sport Minister John Eren said the Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Scheme would deliver the facilities local communities need, and encourage more people to, ‘get out there and get active’.

Minister Eren advised “by working together we can make sport more inclusive and more accessible, while creating jobs and volunteer opportunities for local communities.”

Click here for more information about the Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Scheme.

Main image: Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park.