Facilities
Football Facilities Development Strategy
We know that facilities are fundamental to participation in our game. Creating quality, welcoming environments and ensuring facilities are easy to access is a key driver of participation and involvement in clubs.
AFL Victoria is committed to assisting our leagues, clubs and schools in the development of quality, accessible facilities. The resources and information provided on this site will assist in providing the relevant information and funding opportunities to develop your project idea.
AFL Facilities Funding Opportunities in Victoria
The AFFF aims to support the provision of well positioned, welcoming, accessible, fit for purpose football facilities that support our growing game’s strategic priorities. To assist with projects coming to life, the AFL has created the Australian Football Facilities Fund 'AFFF'. On average, our AFFF partners own $50M worth of community football facility projects benefitting more than 100 clubs each year.
Our growth shows we need access to one new field every week for the next five years to meet participation demands.
As we look Towards 2030, the AFL wants to work with forward thinking school leaders, Education Departments or other landowners who want to help their communities deliver better sporting facilities and create more opportunities for communities to be healthy and active.
If you would like to discuss an innovative idea or partnership opportunity at your site please contact bnground@afl.com.au.
In partnership with the Victorian Government and Netball Victoria, the Country Football Netball Program provides funding to Local Government Authorities to help regional football and netball clubs, associations and umpiring organisations upgrade and develop facilities in rural, regional and outer metropolitan locations.
AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Award
The AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Award is announced annually to recognise best practice in community football facility development across the state, along with the people, clubs and other stakeholders driving the best projects in Victoria.
The winner of the AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Award will be announced at the end of each calendar year, and put forward as the Victorian nomination for the national AFL Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award.
Shared Facilities Agreement
AFL Victoria and Cricket Victoria (in collaboration with the Victorian Government) have established a new agreement addressing shared use of facilities across the state. This new agreement is designed to provide guidance to Local Government Authorities and Community Leagues / Associations regarding fixturing and usage at local level.
The broad principle of the agreement strongly recommends community cricket clubs being afforded priority use rights of shared facilities during the traditional cricket window (October to March) and community AFL football clubs having priority rights to shared facilities during the traditional football window (April to September).