New plan for multi-sports stadium at John Cain Memorial Park in Thornbury

A NEW masterplan for a multi-sports stadium at John Cain Memorial Park that would benefit 5000 female players has been unveiled — and now it needs $25 million from the State Government to get off the ground.

The master plan would transform John Cain Memorial Park into a multi-sport stadium and include eight netball courts. Picture: Hamish Blair

MORE than 100 players will be able to take to the court at any one time under a new plan for a multi-sports stadium in Thornbury.

The John Cain Memorial Park masterplan, released by Darebin Council, reveals the sporting precinct will be home to eight netball courts, a function room and change rooms.

Let Them Play: Netballers back campaign for new stadium in Thornbury

The Leader has backed the stadium, which would benefit 5000 women and girls, as a part of our Let Them Play campaign.

AFLW star Katie Brennan is backing the Leader’s Let Them Play campaign. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Western Bulldogs AFLW star Katie Brennan, who also plays for the Darebin Falcons, has thrown her support behind the campaign.

“I think it’s an amazing idea, there’s a big need — not just in the Darebin area but across the board — for more sporting facilities that cater specifically to women,” she said.

“Now that women’s sport is booming at an elite level it is inspiring a lot of young women to take part and we need to have the infrastructure to allow them to develop and make it to the toughest level.”

The four indoor courts and four outdoor courts are at the heart of a major overhaul to John Cain Memorial Park.

The State Government has been urged to contribute $25 million to the project.

Recently elected Northcote MP Lidia Thorpe said the facility would “empower” women and girls in the community.

“Being a netballer myself and having daughters that play, I know how important it is for our women and girls to be participating in sports,” she said.

Sport minister John Eren said funding for the stadium was still being discussed.

Consideration of the plan was deferred at last week’s council meeting.