Geelong Rangers and Galaxy soccer clubs desperately need additional pitch at Myers Reserve

A Geelong football outfit has taken a big step towards a new era, revealing images of a new $7m pavilion following reported issues with asbestos.

Geelong Rangers have unveiled new plans for a major upgrade. Picture: Geelong Rangers.

With around 600 players using just three soccer pitches at a Geelong reserve, a local soccer club has taken another step towards a new era.

Geelong Rangers have revealed new concept plans for a pavilion upgrade at its home base at Myers Reserve following reported concerns with asbestos.

The club, which has been beyond capacity for at least three years, is seeking funding for the multimillion dollar project which delivers on key priorities from the Myers Reserve Master Plan, including change rooms, accessible amenities and enhanced community spaces.

With around 600 players combined from Rangers and Geelong Galaxy using three pitches, both clubs need an additional fourth to cater for growing demand.

Geelong Galaxy takes on Calder United at Myers Reserve. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Galaxy announced in October last year it was moving to Myers Reserve after sharing facilities with Corio over the past three seasons.

However, a City of Greater Geelong final report on the master plan revealed the need to relocate and construct a new soccer pavilion to address safety concerns from asbestos, and provide a compliant soccer pitch.

Rangers president Martin Brandwyk told this masthead the pavilion upgrade had been costed at approximately $7m with the existing facilities at least 50 years old.

“We’ve continually grown over the last few years,” Brandwyk said.

“We’ve got a great facility up there with three pitches but we need more.

Geelong Rangers have unveiled new plans for clubhouse and social pavilion. Picture: Geelong Rangers.

“The Galaxy girls are up there now, which puts more pressure on capacity, space, facilities.

“It’s a good thing to have them there, but it certainly means we need that master plan delivered.

“The next step is, how do we get that funded, and what’s the time frame to get it done?

“When do we want it? Definitely in the next couple of years if we can.”

The council’s final report recommended the relocation of the pavilion between pitch one and the proposed new field to the west.

“These concept designs showcase a vision for modern, flexible and inclusive facilities to support our club, our many teams, and our growing community,” the club said on its socials this week.

Geelong Rangers have revealed design plans for a pavilion upgrade. Picture: Geelong Rangers.

Rangers said back in 2022 it was already at capacity with regards to pitch space and clubrooms, with more than 400 members.

Cr Eddy Kontelj has been meeting with the club about design plans for the past four years, achieved through a council grant.

“We all know the round ball game is booming globally and Geelong, particularly the north of Geelong, is no exception to this,” Cr Kontelj said.

“All levels of government must continue to invest in good quality infrastructure such as this to support the huge community demand.

“And with a state election on our doorstep next year, I will be standing shoulder to shoulder with the Geelong Rangers asking for the state government to ‘kick some goals’ by helping fund this shovel-ready project.”

Meanwhile, the master plan also recommended a new Aussie Rules and cricket oval, the relocation of the bowls club with an additional green and pavilion and new netball courts with half-court warm up spaces.

Bell Post Hill netball co-ordinator Christina Blaskovic said the Panthers have some of the worst netball facilities in the region, with a G21 report revealing its court surface was in moderate condition with “considerable wear” five years ago.

Meanwhile, Rangers celebrated 70 years of existence over the weekend with John Barr inducted as the club’s maiden recipient of Legend status.

It also established a new honour, the Scott Davison Medal, named after the club’s seven-time best and fairest winner and one of the most respected figures in Rangers history.

Originally published as Geelong Rangers and Galaxy soccer clubs desperately need additional pitch at Myers Reserve