Press Release
Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced that a proposed Home of the Matildas facility in Victoria moved one step closer today, with the state government announcing funding to kick start the project.
The Victorian Government confirmed it will commit $1.5 million towards master planning and design for the development, and a separate Home of Rugby Union, to be located at La Trobe University, Bundoora. The facility will also serve as the future headquarters of Football Victoria and the home of its high-performance programs for women, men, girls and boys.
FFA Chief Executive James Johnson said he was delighted the project was moving closer to fruition, “I’d like to thank the Daniel Andrews’ Government for committing to further investment for this Victorian base for the Westfield Matildas, following on from the $200,000 already provided to Football Victoria for a feasibility study.
“The Victorian Government has again demonstrated its commitment to women’s football, following its support for our successful bid to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, and with the Federal Government already having allocated $15 million, we very much looking forward to seeing the project progress.
“The importance of establishing a Home of the Matildas is articulated in the XI Principles for the future of Australian football (XI Principles), and it will help maximise the potential of hosting the world’s biggest sporting event for women in three years’ time.”
Westfield Matildas captain Sam Kerr said her teammates were thrilled about the prospect of having a world class facility to call their own, “This is wonderful news for the Westfield Matildas and the prospect of having a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed for our use is very exciting.
“The team loves playing in Melbourne and we really look forward to having a dedicated base where we can train and prepare for matches.”
The preliminary work on the project is planned to be completed as soon as possible, with the goal of having phase one ready in advance of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Football Victoria Press Release
Victorian Government funding to deliver plans for Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University
Football Victoria is delighted that the Victorian Government has committed to funding the next step towards the establishment of a world class Home of the Matildas facility at La Trobe University, Bundoora.
The Victorian Government has today announced it will provide $1.5 million to undertake planning and design for both the Home of the Matildas and a State Rugby Union Centre.
The goal of Football Victoria is that phase one of the facility will be ready in advance of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, an event being staged in Australia and New Zealand for the very first time.
That would enable the Matildas to enter the venue in the months leading up to the tournament and prepare for their quest to claim Australia’s first ever World Cup trophy.
Last year, FV received $200,000 from the Victorian Government for a feasibility study, along with a $15 million commitment from the Federal Government towards construction.
FV has been driving the Home of the Matildas project for over two years and outgoing Chief Executive Peter Filopoulos said he was delighted to secure the backing of the Victorian Government for the crucial planning works.
“We couldn’t be more delighted to partner with the State Government on this project and to have their financial backing for this initial stage means we can get the ball rolling,” he said.
“If we have the first phase built in time for the 2023 World Cup it would give our girls the best chance of success.”
“Further, this facility will serve as the future headquarters of Football Victoria and be the home of all high-performance programs for women, men, girls and boys.”
“In particular, I personally want to thank the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula, the Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence, the Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams and Premier Daniel Andrews for their continued support along the journey. It is clear they share our vision of a fantastic female football future.”
Filopoulos acknowledged La Trobe’s unbending commitment to deliver a world class football environment.
“La Trobe University has already grown a wonderfully successful partnership with Melbourne City and adding the Home of the Matildas means La Trobe will soon be regarded as Australia’s undisputed home of footballing excellence.”
FV President Kimon Taliadoros said this announcement demonstrated the game’s desire to deliver for all Victorians.
“Our FootbALLWays strategy puts women and girls at the forefront of our thinking and planning. The Home of the Matildas is symbolic of that commitment,” he said.
“With the Victorian Government stepping up to deliver the planning and design funding, we’re well on the way to hitting our timelines to deliver a facility that will be the envy of world football.”
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