Golden Plains to receive additional $465,000 grant for facilities upgrade

The Golden Plains Shire Council will receive an additional $465,535 from the State Government to develop its football facilities at the Bannockburn Recreation Reserve.

The grant is part of The World Game Facilities Fund and will add to the Federal Government’s $832,000 commitment, meaning the overall funding for the project will reach in excess of $1.29 million.

The Golden Plains Soccer Club will be the beneficiaries of the funding, which will be used to construct two new female friendly change rooms, a referee’s change room, first aid room, 100 lux sports pitch lights, perimeter fencing, and storage services for the recently constructed second soccer pitch at the venue.

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, made the announcement and highlighted the importance of modernising facilities to cater for rising demand.

“Football is booming in Victoria and we’re expecting growing numbers of boys and girls, men and women to sign up to play at local clubs, however many clubs are struggling with inadequate facilities,” Tierney said.

The Golden Plains Soccer Club is located 23km from Geelong, Victoria and has experienced a steady growth in participation rates, particularly among women and girls in the region.

“The Victorian Government’s World Game Facilities Fund is getting it done for the Golden Plains Soccer Club, providing more opportunities for passionate football fans to play the sport they love,” Tierney said.

Bannockburn Recreational Reserve has already experienced several upgrades over recent years with more than $3 million in funding helping to transform the venue into a leading regional football facility.

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Owen Sharkey was also pleased by the government’s willingness to invest in the region, stating it was a major boost those already playing the sport and also those wishing to get involved.

“The Golden Plains Soccer Club has an enthusiastic membership of male and female junior and senior players from many towns in the south of our shire, and the new change rooms and lights will further support participation in soccer in Golden Plains,” Cr Sharkey said.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Canada Soccer to begin new National Training Centre project

Avatar
Image credit: ACHPF / Shutterstock.com

Backed by the Government of Canada with an investment worth nearly AUD 10 million ($9,826,000), the project aims to establish a world-class facility for athletes, coaches and communities.

Building the sport and community

The investment comes as part of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), an ambitious program of the Government of Canada which will provide AUD 51 billion ($51 billion) to infrastructure projects over 10 years.

However, the Canada Soccer Training Centre is one key project which will benefit from such substantial investment. But the project isn’t just for future players – it will help boost economic activity and create a facility built for excellence and growth.

“It is about creating a world-class sport facility where athletes can train and represent Canada at their best,” explained Secretary of State (Sport), Honourable Adam van Koeverden, via press release.

“From the playground to the podium, it is projects like this that provide athletes, coaches, local families and communities with vibrant, accessible spaces to fuel participation, connection, and a growing passion for sport.”

President of Canada Soccer, Peter Auguros, further expressed his gratitude for the investment and what it could bring future generations.

“This support reflects a shared belief in the power of sport to strengthen communities and develop the next generation of Canadian talent. We are proud to partner in building infrastructure that will benefit our athletes and help shape the future of the sport in Canada.”

 

Growth gains momentum

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to kick off in a few short weeks, Canada Soccer’s plan for a National Training Centre Project is symbolic of long-term vision.

The tournament is not a final flourish, but a stepping stone to accelerated growth.

And this is not a short-term setup.

As President of Concacaf and Vice-Preisdent of FIFA, Victori Montagliani explained, this is a project designed to survive for generations.

“The development of a National Training Centre in Canada represents an important legacy project for the country and it is always a positive sign when our members invest in infrastructure across the region.”

 

Final thoughts

The project, therefore, perfectly aligns a growing buzz for football across the region with intentional investment and ambition.

And although the action must eventually stop on the pitch, Canada Soccer are ensuring that growth continues long after the tournament’s final whistle.

Female Referee Mentor Program backed by Football Australia

Avatar
Image credit: Football Australia

Football Australia (FA) launched the program last week, aiming to champion the next generation of female referees through connections with experienced officials.

Investing in the future

Backed with investment from the Australian Government’s ‘Play Our Way’ grant, FA’s Ref Our Game framework will pair future referees with current and former A-League officials.

Through one-on-one mentorship, development opportunities and a network of experienced professionals, aspiring female referees will have unique insights into match officiating.

“Football Australia has always been a leader in inclusion, setting a global standard for female leadership and development,” said Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler, via press release.

“This program reflects a strong commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable officiating pathway and creating a meaningful connections, increasing confidence and ensuring talented female referees feel supported to stay in the game.”

Furthermore, with the launch coinciding with Female Football Week (running from May 8 to May 18), the program represents a wider drive in Australia’s football landscape to become inclusive and supportive.

 

About the program

Focused on future referees within the 18-26 age bracket, the program will give participants a deep understanding of match officiating and equip them with both confidence and expertise.

Each participant will benefit from six mentor sessions, which will include individual feedback, guidance and insights into the life of a referee in elite sport.

Combining leadership, communication and a real sense of belonging, the program promises to nurture new female referees and, as a result, ensure football remains a sport in which men and women can participate side-by-side.

“The Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program is the most significant commitment ever to women and girls sporting programs and facilities and it’s making a real difference,” explained Minister for Sport, Anika Wells.

“We want to see more girls and women involved in sport at every level and supporting programs like this helps make that happen.”

Indeed, programs of this nature align ambition, professional networks, and a vision for improving the landscape.

This is what the industry needs to ensure long-term inclusivity and cohesion for the next generation.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend