Upgrades to fly at Eagles’ nest

THE home of the Newtown Chilwell Football Netball Club is in line for upgrades centred around improving access for the rising number of female footballers.

Elderslie Reserve is set to receive $1.894 million of works to improve player and umpire rooms, as well as modifications to the club’s pavilion.

The reserve’s lack of inclusive facilities is hampering the club’s ability to attract and retain participants, with many opting to travel to other clubs with more modern gender-friendly changerooms.

Female football participation has exploded in recent years, with 78 junior girls’ teams and 20 senior women’s teams in the Barwon region.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the upgrades would support the growing participation of women. “I have been personally advocating for these upgrades for some time and I am thrilled that the club will have the opportunity to commence the changes that will welcome and embrace all players,” Ms Couzens said.

“With female participation in sports on the rise it’s essential that we create accessible and safe spaces.

“These well overdue upgrades will allow the club to continue its existing membership and retain players.

“It doesn’t matter if you have a handful of female members or teams of female members, all players and visitors deserve the opportunity to play and expand their skills in clubs feeling safe and welcomed.”

The City of Greater Geelong has also received a $50,000 grant to help improve accessibility and participation at the reserve for people with disability.

The All Abilities Participation Initiative will see Newtown Chilwell collaborate with local disability service providers to co-design inclusive programs that cater to the specific needs of people with disabilities.

Specialised equipment such as modified balls and wheelchair accessible goalposts will be introduced alongside adaptive programs like modified training sessions and All Abilities AFL competitions.

The funding will support the club’s ambition to field a team in the AFL Barwon All Abilities Football League in the next two years.

“We have so many footy nuts in our community who have disability and would be ecstatic to play Aussie Rules and live out their sporting dreams,” councillor Eddy Kontelj added. “We’re grateful for this funding from the Victorian Government to make this a reality.”