Maroondah Council keen for $80 million Matildas base

The Matildas could be waltzing into a new $80 million base in Melbourne’s east as part of a bold bid to secure the new home of Australian women’s soccer. But it’s no guarantee, with several other regions pitching their interest.

The Australian women’s soccer team — the Matildas — are looking to establish a permanent training base in Melbourne. Picture: William West.

The Matildas could be waltzing to Maroondah as part of a bold bid to secure the new home of Australian women’s soccer.

Maroondah Council has made a bid to host a new $80 million base for Australia’s female national team, set to be built in Melbourne.

The proposal, compiled by Football Victoria (FV) and backed by Football Federation Australia, aims to establish an elite training facility for the Matildas and a new FV headquarters.

The proposal, which would need backing from all levels of government, would also include a 2000 to 5000 seat boutique stadium.

MORE OUTER EAST NEWS:

MATILDAS NEW $80 MILLION MELBOURNE HOME

HORSE CLUB FACING EASTFIELD PARK AXE

CLOCK TICKS AGAIN IN RINGWOOD

Five other Victorian councils have also expressed an interest — Brimbank, Casey, Darebin, Maribyrnong and Greater Shepparton — while La Trobe University wants to include the centre in a revamp of its Bundoora campus.

Maroondah Mayor Rob Steane said council officers lodged an expression of interest in February and were keen to hold further talks with FV.

“Growth in soccer demand has been identified as an emerging issue in Maroondah and Council would welcome any additional facilities that meet that demand,” he said.

Matildas captain Sam Kerr in action against Argentina in Melbourne last week. Picture: Michael Dodge.

Cr Steane said no other planning or designs had been completed, nor had the council picked a location for the new facility.

FV chief executive Peter Filopoulos said the organisation was assessing the submissions and would form a short-list in the coming months.
He said FV would then gather more information from its shortlisted applicants on their plans.

Mr Filopoulos said the organisation was engaging with all levels of government to secure funding for the project.

“The creation of a national training base for our much-loved Matildas would mark the coming of age of women’s sport in Australia,” he said.

Matildas Captain Sam Kerr said a dedicated home would provide a major local boost for the sport and the team’s future growth.

“It will be fantastic for young girls growing up and striving to train with the best — that can be the place for us to grow and become the world’s best team,” she said.