The players, umpires and coaches in Australia’s largest amateur football league – the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) – are celebrating the completion of a new state of the art headquarters at Elsternwick Park.
Minister for Sport John Eren today joined members of the VAFA, the Old Melburnians Football Club, Elsternwick Cricket Club, Bayside City Council, the AFL and AFL Victoria to officially open the new sports pavilion and VAFA administration building – made possible by a $3.1 million package from the Andrews Labor Government.
The new headquarters includes female friendly change rooms, modern training facilities, a first aid room, umpire change room and training facilities, offices and a function room with kitchen.
There’s also a new pavilion with change rooms and facilities for the Old Melburnians Football Club, which will now call Elsternwick Park home.
The Labor Government’s $180 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and $9.7 million Country Football and Netball Program are two of the programs supporting Victoria’s home-grown game at the club level.
Mr Eren thanked project partners Bayside City Council, the Victorian Amateur Football Association, Old Melburnians Football Club, the AFL, and AFL Victoria for their contributions to the project.
As stated by Minister for Sport John Eren
"We’re giving all Victorians the opportunity to play the sports they love, connect with friends, have fun and get active."
"The VAFA has a proud history of nurturing up-and-coming footy stars, and these new facilities will give suburban footballers the best chance of reach their full potential."
As stated by Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
"The VAFA recently celebrated its 125th anniversary, and we’re securing its future right here in Bentleigh."
"This facility is a great asset to the community, and I’m sure many locals will enjoy watching high quality football on a Saturday afternoon."
