Football Federation Victoria execs "are urging both major parties to increase their spending" on football infrastructure funding "as part of their election manifestos to help develop the game in the state," according to Michael Lynch of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. FFV revealed earlier this year that thousands of children and young people -- both boys and girls -- "were being turned away" from local clubs because of a "lack of pitches and training grounds." At a time when "societal concerns over childhood obesity and inactivity are mounting," the local game's leaders argue that football funding, "certainly on a per capita basis, lags behind other sports which are not as popular or in as much demand." A "key plank" of FFV's lobbying is the creation of a State Football Centre, which would require investment of A$60M ($42.3M) over three years but which could, FFV argued, become a national center for the Matildas. Its location "could see an upgrade" to the existing Darebin Int'l Sports Centre or "the development of a new site." The FFV vision calls for a 1,000-seat grandstand and standing room to accommodate up to 4,000 spectators, "along with function rooms and canteen facilities" (SMH, 10/7).
