By Esther Lauaki
Salesian College has been proposed as a site for a major regional soccer facility for the Hume and Macedon Ranges areas, according to the sport’s state governing body.
Football Federation Victoria recently released its Football Facilities Strategy, outlining the sport’s infrastructure requirements until 2026.
The strategy suggested upgrading the Rupertswood pitch, among five other possible north-west metropolitan locations including Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, Ascot Vale and Coburg, to meet increasing demand for competition-standard pitches in the next eight years.
In the report, Salesian College was put forward as a possible site for a major regional venue because of its proximity to the northern suburbs, Melton as well as the Macedon Ranges.
“FFV has researched existing and potential regional venues with a geographical spread which could enhance player pathways, competition depth and service the elite level of the game,” the strategy stated.
It stated that the existing regional venues that service all levels of the game, from junior development to representative teams, are of varying quality and are often “not the focus or priority of local councils”.
According to the FFV, there needs to be a program to increase the number of regional venues and improve the quality of facilities.
There are 2406 players in Hume and that number is expected to grow to 3900 by 2026.
Hume council corporate services director Daryl Whitfort said the council was working to address the growth of soccer in Hume.
He said the council had opened five pitches this financial year and would have two more pitches available in early 2019.
Meanwhile, the Macedon Ranges, home
to 517 registered soccer players, would require one more pitch to cater to at least 620 players that are projected to register in the next eight years.
The FFV wants lighting upgrades for Macedon Ranges venues and drainage installed at Dixon Field in Gisborne and drainage and lighting at Barkly Square in Kyneton.
~ with Laura Michell
