Major soccer strategy reveals need for hubs at Armstrong Creek and Bannockburn

More than a third of soccer pitches in the Geelong region are of a “poor” standard, a new 10-year strategy for the sport has revealed.

More than third of all soccer pitches in the Geelong region are in “poor” condition, a new 10-year football strategy reveals.

The new plan, put together by Football Victoria and the G21 advocacy group and endorsed by Geelong Council on Tuesday night, outlines planning, investment and development priorities in the sport in the region over the next 10 years.

It comes as total player numbers are projected to increase by more than 1280 and 88 teams over the next decade.

There has been a 70 per cent participation growth increase, to around 5600 players, since 2015.

However, following consultation, the quality and number of playing pitches and change rooms were revealed to be the biggest issues facing players, coaches and officials.

Geelong Soccer players Ayla Nikolovski, Sara Ristevski and Milla Nestorovski represent the 114 per cent growth in female participation since 2015. Picture: Alan Barber

Geelong locations where change rooms were rated either poor or very poor included Barwon Heads Village Park, Bell Park Sports Club, Evans Reserve, Howard Glover Reserve and White Eagle House, with “major shortfalls in infrastructure” and “immediate planning and investment required”.

It found 36 per cent of existing pitches were considered to be in “poor condition” following consultation and audits.

There is also a concerning lack of volunteers and referees and the ability to retain coaches needed to be improved.

The report, which will now go out for public consultation, also highlights “immediate priority” plans for a football facility in Armstrong Creek that would incorporate a range of sports.

On Tuesday night at a meeting of the council, Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken said a “major growth opportunity” existed in the area in the sport but upgrades were needed.

Cr Eddy Kontelj said there had been “tremendous” growth in the sport and infrastructure had to keep pace with it, with an Armstrong Creek facility a “crucial component” of the plan.

“This strategy is extremely important for the future of soccer in our region,” Cr Kontelj said.

“There is no doubt that soccer will continue to grow.”

It also recommended the establishment of a new football facility in the Golden Plains Shire to service “increasing demand”, with Bannockburn the most preferred location.

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Brett Cunningham agreed additional infrastructure was needed to meet population growth in Bannockburn, but more work had to be done before soccer facilities were considered.

Geelong Soccer Club juniors. Picture: Alan Barber

The report also highlighted significant growth in women’s soccer, with a quarter of all participants being female in 2022 and a 114 per cent growth in female participation since 2015.

However, participation growth in the region has been “inhibited” by a lack of facilities including multi-pitch facilities – with hybrid and synthetic surfaces – which limits the region’s ability to attract events and tournaments.

“There is an uneven distribution of football facilities across the region seeing a high concentration of venues in the north, and limited venues in the south and west,” the strategy revealed.

“In most G21 municipalities there is a deficit in football pitches when considered against best practice population to provision ratios.”

It called for improvement to the quality and capacity of existing pitches and change rooms for players and referees, making them suitable for all genders.

Geelong Regional Football Committee chairman Mike McKinstry said with the local council’s support of the plan, community soccer would continue to strengthen.

Originally published as Major soccer strategy reveals need for hubs at Armstrong Creek and Bannockburn