Geelong targets outlined in final regional football strategy

A SUB-REGIONAL facility in Armstrong Creek, the improvement of capacities at local grounds, and improvements to player and referee change facilities have headlined the G21 region’s latest and final update of the 2023-2033 Regional Football (Soccer) Strategy document.

At the City of Greater Geelong’s February council meeting, councillors noted the final G21 Regional Football (Soccer) Strategy 2023–2033 document to continue the enhancement of local facilities and participation of The World Game in the region.

Key regional strategy areas for the city to address include female football, facilities and infrastructure, the Fair Access Policy, club and game development, and other factors across the local football community.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the final strategic document took into account the latest Football Victoria and Football Australia strategic frameworks.

“The Greater Geelong region has a proud football history and has produced many fine players who have achieved great things on the world stage.

“This sport continues to be hugely popular here and this strategy will help guide planning for its growth in the years ahead.”

The city listed the five key issues and objectives specific to the City of Greater Geelong in the latest strategy.

The updated framework includes the construction of a sub-regional football facility in Armstrong Creek West, the improvement to the quality and capacity of existing pitches where shortfalls exist, and improvements to player and referee change facilities suitable for all genders.

Additionally, the city will oversee the provision of existing indoor facilities to support increased participation in futsal, and extra provisions to new and existing football sites within growth areas.

The strategy was available on public exhibition for six weeks in 2023, with public feedback also contributing to the final document.

Cr Elise Wilkinson, deputy chair of the council’s Active Spaces portfolio, said there was a forecasted increase of 1,500 additional football and futsal players in the region across the next 10 years.