Yarraville could be the new home of Matildas soccer team

Fresh from its World Cup appearance, the Australian women’s soccer team is looking for a home base. And despite locals fighting a plan to bring Melbourne Victory to Footscray, a nearby suburb could be the place.

The council has nominated McIvor Reserve as a possible home for the Matildas.

Maribyrnong could be the new home of soccer in Victoria if the council is successful in its bid to be home to the Matildas.

At least eight council areas are vying to be chosen as the home base for Australia’s women’s soccer team.

It is understood Maribyrnong Council nominated McIvor Reserve in Yarraville as the first choice for the $60 to $80 million elite training centre for soccer in this state with the Matildas to be the biggest beneficiaries.

The Matildas could soon be training in Yarraville.

The reserve already has a sports pavilion, with soccer, baseball, hockey and cricket played on the grounds year-round. The entire reserve is off-lead except for the hockey, soccer and baseball fields.

Maribyrnong Council is still figuring out the details of its Footscray Masterplan, which will see Australia’s largest soccer club Melbourne Victory build a multimillion-dollar complex in Footscray Park.

The controversial plan led to hundreds of protesters rallying outside council chambers on Tuesday night calling for Footscray Park to remain a public, open space.

Footscray Park protesters at Maribyrnong Council.

A fire alarm was set off when a group of men stormed the door to the chambers. No one was hurt during the incident but the council meeting was cancelled and councillors were escorted off the premises by police.

MORE:

FOOTSCRAY PARK PROTEST SHUTS DOWN COUNCIL MEETING

STAUNCH OPPOSITION TO MELBOURNE VICTORY MOVING INTO FOOTSCRAY

MARIBYRNONG RIVER UNDER THREAT BY $21M SOCCER ACADEMY

Maribyrnong Mayor Martin Zakharov said if Melbourne Victory did move in, it could boost the city’s chances of welcoming the Matildas.

Melbourne Victory chief executive Trent Jacobs said he would support the Matildas moving in next door.

“It would be a wonderful outcome if the Matildas home was in Victoria and in Maribyrnong another fantastic opportunity to have what is probably the most recognised team at the moment,” he said.

Other councils wanting to be considered the home of the Matildas are Casey, Maroondah, Brimbank, Darebin and Greater Shepparton.

Latrobe University is also keen on the team.

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