PART B BACKGROUND& KEY FINDINGS OCTOBER2013 CONTENTS About this document The Loddon Mallee Regional Football (Soccer) Regional Development Plan is delivered in three parts.
Part A – Regional Principles and Recommendations The Loddon Mallee Region 1 Provides the broad principles and strategic framework to support the future development, growth and viability of soccer across the Loddon Mallee Region, in addition to documented Soccer in Loddon Mallee 11 future directions, strategies and actions for each participating municipality.
Soccer facilities 18 Part B – Background, research and consultation findings (THIS DOCUMENT) Provides a detailed project, region and sporting context analysis, literature and policy Club needs 23 review, facility inspection reports and findings, stakeholder consultation program and identification of club needs. All background information and research collected during the development of the Plan is also provided in Part B. Economic Benefit 26 Part C – Soccer Facility Audits Appendices 31 Provides details of the site information and condition audits undertaken for all soccer venues across the Loddon Mallee Region.
Copyright 2013 by insideEDGE Sport and Leisure Planning
The Loddon Mallee Regional Football (Soccer) Development Plan was prepared by insideEDGE Sport and Leisure Planning (insideEDGE) www.ieslp.com.au (2013) on behalf of the ten participating LGA’s and the Department of Planning and Community Development, Sport and Recreation Victoria.
This publication is Copyright. No part may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted by any process of by any form except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. The information contained within this report is intended for the specific use of the within named party to which it is addressed (“the insideEDGE client”) only. All information and recommendations by insideEDGE are based on information provided by or on behalf of the insideEDGE client and insideEDGE has relied on such information being correct at the time this report was prepared.
1. THE LODDON MALLEE REGION An overview
The most significant soccer facility Similar issues have also been identified at all existing Whilst there are no soccer facilities in the Loddon within the Loddon Mallee Region was soccer club venues within the Loddon Mallee Shire, the Shire’s Recreation Strategy found that constructed at the Epsom Huntly Region. At the time of establishment, many of these residents are looking for access to a broader range Recreation Reserve in Bendigo. soccer clubs appear to have gained access to of quality recreation and healthy lifestyle facilities not specifically designed for winter sporting opportunities than has previously been available to This facility was designed to service the talent codes (i.e. overflow cricket venues, school facilities them and are now defining recreation in terms of a development competitions for players representing and Australian Rules Football grounds). With an broad range of activities including those that are new the Loddon Mallee region as well as meeting some increasing number of members, participants and to the Loddon recreation scene such as soccer. The of the increasing demand for soccer within Bendigo. teams utilising these facilities they are no longer Bendigo Amateur Soccer League estimates that a The development of this facility was supported by the keeping pace with contemporary standards for small percentage of its participants are likely to come City of Greater Bendigo Open Space Strategy, April community level sport. from Loddon given its close proximity to Greater 2005 and the Epsom Recreation Reserve Master Bendigo and this may be influencing the interest in The presence of soccer clubs across the region is Plan, May 2006. soccer reported in the Shire’s Recreation Strategy. closely aligned to the major population centres. Each Attention within the City of Greater Bendigo has town with a population greater than 6,000 people Loddon Shire’s Recreation Strategy also describes a moved subsequently to the adequacy of existing supports a soccer club and towns with populations of key direction for recreation relating to the social facilities. The issues that many of these venues 10,000 or more (Swan Hill and Echuca/Moama) environment by expanding opportunities for active present include: support their own junior competitions. Only the major recreation e.g. walking and ‘unstructured’ sport centres of Mildura (pop. 30,000) and Bendigo (pop. participation such as social soccer. Futsal provides a o The condition of the playing surfaces following a prolonged period of drought; 90,000) support their own senior competitions. format that may be well suited to social participation and as a means of generating interest in soccer The need for a sport to have a presence in a town o The adequacy of change room facilities to cater where interest and access may have been and/or a municipality is critical to its ability to for increasing male and female participation; historically low if present at all. influence the local government strategic planning o Upgrading or adding social room facilities to process. There are no soccer facilities in Buloke Within Macedon Ranges Shire, futsal is played at enable greater social connectedness and Shire and the Shire’s Recreation Plan does not three venues, two of which are in towns that do not enhance the sustainability of individual clubs; identify any demand for soccer. Similarly Gannawara have any outdoor soccer facilities or clubs. It is in Shire’s Recreation Reserves Master Plans Report these two towns – Woodend (pop.5400) and Romsey o Adding and/or reconfiguring fields of play to increase the capacity of each venue; and suggested a high proportion of Australian born (pop. 4400) – that the Shire’s Recreation Strategy residents within the Shire would see the typical recommended in the medium-term that two new o Providing floodlighting to meet Australian Anglo-sports of Australian football, cricket, netball township facilities (minimum 2 fields where possible) standards to enable training activities across all and tennis continue to be the dominant activities of be built to provide a more even distribution of soccer fields of play. choice of townspeople and made no fields across the Shire and improve access for recommendations for the introduction of activities at existing and potential new users. In Macedon any of the reserves that are not already conducted at Ranges, where indoor soccer exists, demand for each reserve. outdoor soccer has followed.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 1 Where outdoor soccer facilities appear to be difficult The Southern Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic State and National Strategies to access or establish, indoor facilities that already Plan recognises that while the region boasts a exist might be more readily accessed for futsal. diverse range of sport and recreation opportunities, A number of key elements underpin FFA’s Strategic Futsal may also be played outdoors and as it is many codes are compromised by limited planning Plan and are particularly relevant for regional areas played in a smaller area than that occupied by a capacities, aged infrastructure and stretched support where football participation may have historically traditional soccer field, space for futsal may be more services. The Plan supports the development of lagged behind more established sports. As easily acquired. Greater Bendigo has implemented sustainable facilities and services that can serve a measured in 2011 soccer is Australia’s: redesigned cricket practice facilities as multipurpose multiplicity of needs and ensure our communities can most popular sport, with 1.7 million participants – synthetic surface training facilities. Facilities of this enjoy healthy, active lifestyles as our communities o more than the other three football codes type may in future represent an opportunity for use grow and our leisure preferences expand. combined; as outdoor futsal facilities subject to adequate Many soccer clubs have developed at venues not dimensions being accommodated in the design fastest growing participation sport for women; and purpose built for soccer, which has lead to a o phase and a favourable assessment of the suitability added more participants between 2000 and 2009 Regional focus on the following key issues: of the surface of the cricket batting strips. than any other sport o Condition of playing surfaces; Buloke Shire has undertaken a Synthetic o second largest overall female participation sport; Sportsground Feasibility Study with the aim of o Suitability of change rooms; and assessing the feasibility of developing and operating Provision of social rooms; most multicultural sport. a synthetic sports ground in Buloke Shire suitable for o o hockey and potentially other sports such as tennis o Increased demand on venues and facilities; and The key elements of FFV’s Strategic Plan that are of and soccer. The incompatibility of the synthetic most importance to the development of football in The need for floodlighting. surface requirements of these three sports meant the o regional Victoria, as distinct from the needs of the establishment of a synthetic surface for hockey alone These issues will be discussed further in subsequent sport across the whole state are: was not deemed feasible. Hockey already has an sections of the Soccer Development Plan and Having access to sufficient and appropriate established presence in Buloke and as such the targeted strategies and recommendations to address o facilities for each form and level of the game; feasibility of establishing a full size synthetic pitch for these issues developed for each LGA. soccer in a new market would be less likely. o Explore a choice of flexible offerings for soccer and Futsal participants in order to grow the game; The Central Goldfields Recreation Strategy and recommended a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a synthetic sports surface at the o Engagement of women & girls to grow Maryborough Education Centre to potentially be participation. shared between sports such as hockey, soccer and/or tennis. In 2011, a new 40mm sand and rubber infill synthetic grass surface was completed for ball sports including AFL, soccer, cricket, and hockey with the intention to incorporate community utilisation in its schedule of use.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 2 Change in Loddon Mallee
The Loddon Mallee Region is Approximately 71% of the total Loddon Mallee area o A reasonable percentage (77%) of the Loddon experiencing significant change both is rural land, well above the Victoria average of 63%. Mallee population reported that they have easy economically and demographically. The Land use is dominated by the agricultural sector but access to recreational and leisure facilities. general population of the Region is in recent times the traditional small family farms are Areas such as Loddon (59%). Swan Hill (69%) ageing as more and more young people making way for larger corporate farms with new and Gannawarra (72%) were the lowest in terms production methods to increase productivity. The of access to these facilities. move to the bigger city areas for better strong agricultural focus and the timing and Transport is a significant issue in Regional economic prospects and for further coordination of crops and harvests in some areas o Victoria, particularly for young people and access education and employment have impacted on the ability of community sporting to sporting facilities. 21% of people in Loddon opportunities. clubs to program and structure competitions Mallee experienced transport limitations with the effectively and retain consistent participation The most significant population loss from Regional highest areas being Loddon Shire (26%), Mount numbers. Victoria between 2001 to 2006 was in the 5 – 19 and Alexander, Central Goldfields and Buloke (24%). 20 – 24 year age cohorts, where over 12,000 There are certain areas of relative disadvantage in In 2011 27% of households in the Loddon Mallee residents moved to Melbourne. These age groups the Loddon Mallee Region. Disadvantage statistics o Region had no internet connection, lower than the are the most physically active and are more likely to are captured using the population census relating to State average of 39%. This has significant be involved in a sporting club or a structured sporting income, education, occupation, health and living impacts on the receipt of marketing and competition. The magnitude of population decline in conditions. A summary of statistics relating to promotional material for soccer and the these age groups has had a negative impact on relative disadvantage in the Loddon Mallee Region is completion of on line registrations. participation in soccer and other regional sporting provided below. activities across the Loddon Mallee Region. According to the Loddon Mallee region heath status All LGA’s in the Region reported a higher o profile 2011, the rate of new settler arrivals for the In 2010 there were 320,397 people living in the percentage than the State average of 46% of Loddon Mallee region (118 per 100,000 population) Loddon Mallee Region with only minimal growth of individual income earnings under $400 per week. is well below the Victorian average. The highest rate 13% (up to 362,637) expected to 2022. This Macedon (65%), Central Goldfields (63%) and is in Swan Hill with 413.8 new settler arrivals per projected population growth is below the Victorian Loddon (60%) were the highest recorded in 2006. average. The highest growth is expected to be in 100,000 population, and the lowest in Buloke with Macedon Ranges and Greater Bendigo, while the o Most areas, with the exception of Macedon 14.2. With soccer being the sport of choice for many non soccer LGA’s of Buloke, Loddon and Ranges, have a higher percentage of semi skilled new arrival and migrant communities the Gannawarra are projected to have negative growth. or unskilled workers than the State average of opportunities for the region to capture these markets 15%. appear limited.
o In 2010 half the LGA’s in Loddon Mallee were estimated to have higher unemployment rates than the State average of 5.8%. These LGA’s include Central Goldfields (9.6%), Mildura (7.6%), Swan Hill (6.1%), Mount Alexander (6.1%) and Greater Bendigo (5.9%)
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 3 Sport in Loddon Mallee Implications for Soccer
The most popular sports in the Loddon Mallee region The member leagues of the VCFL, and the VCFL Learning from the experience of Australian football in are AFL, netball and hockey. The area has a very itself, are autonomous bodies responsible for the country Victoria, Football Federation Victoria will strong Anglo-Saxon based population with traditional management and conduct of football competitions need to strike the right balance between local sports such as AFL embedded in its culture. Sport in under their jurisdiction. governance and efficient administration to ensure the Loddon Mallee is vitally important; it connects people The review highlighted that irrespective of how the aims of growing participation, administering and contributes greatly to the health and wellbeing of VCFL or AFL Victoria are seen to be operating now, competitions and fostering talent development the community. country football needs a change of governance to pathways are met. Indoor sports such as basketball and fitness based provide a greater strategic focus, more effective The regions as defined for the purpose of forming activities such as triathlon clubs and running groups decision-making at a regional level, and an teams for the Victorian Champions League are well are an emerging trend across the region. investment of resources directly into targeted defined. These regions characterise a very similar Participation in traditional summer sports such as regions. Until this is achieved the review suggested structure to the talent development program structure cricket and tennis are struggling mainly due to that the AFL’s development objectives will not be met of the AFL. The historical encumbrance of an oppressive heat issues and agriculture commitments across country Victoria. administrative body responsible for country crossing over the summer sporting season in some The principles behind the recommendations include: competitions across the state autonomous from the areas. state and national association is not something a) Sustainability of clubs is the critical issue, not soccer is burdened by as has been the case with the AFL is seen as a crowded space and soccer’s necessarily the sustainability of leagues or governing VCFL and its relationship with AFL Victoria. biggest competitor during the winter season which bodies. makes it difficult for soccer to retain a foothold in the Resourcing initiatives and programs to grow region and increase participation by attracting new b) Decentralise resources to provide more direct participation and administer competitions might in the members from other sporting codes. Opportunities support to the volunteers and stakeholders in the long term be a responsibility undertaken within each to grow soccer exist at the entry level (SSF) and the field. region whilst FFV retains overall responsibility for all increased promotion of futsal and other forms of c) Decentralise authority where practical to do so to aspects of the sport within the state. The existing social soccer that offers a non contact alternative let local representation make decisions in FFV Sunraysia or Bendigo Amateur Soccer League and less time commitment than AFL. accordance with local needs. competitions whilst having varying degrees of autonomy already appear to be structured in such a The AFL AFL Victoria has recognised the need to decentralise way as to build a model of decentralised The sport of AFL dominates the sporting landscape its management of country football so that there are responsibility as growth and demand requires. across the Loddon Mallee Region. more resources located in regional areas and that all activities are coordinated within that region. An advantage soccer has is that it is a sport well AFL Victoria commissioned a review of Australian suited to male and female participation. Australian football in country Victoria in 2011 which included an football has had to adapt its game or partner with investigation into AFL Victoria’s operations and how netball to provide active sporting opportunities for they integrate into regional Victoria and align with the males and females. Victorian Country Football League (VCFL).
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 4 Female participation is equally important as male Having a large number of people interested in and Having a critical mass of participants to be able to participation if soccer is to connect with local participating in Australian football lends itself to a field teams in every competition and age group is communities to anywhere near the same degree as large number of teams being fielded in various critical to providing match time consistency the combined efforts of Australian football and netball competitions. Individuals then have options when throughout the season. How critical consistent match have. The combination of the two sports provides a choosing a team and a club to play for within a times are to fostering participation may need to be substantial and dominant centre for sporting activity competition best suited to their personal investigated. in country towns. This poses a significant challenge circumstances and skill level. The ability to provide The prevalence of Auskick centres throughout the to an emerging sport that requires similar public locally based competition options is crucial for the region is something that the introduction of small- facilities, is played during the same season and at growth and long-term sustainability of clubs and the sided football could quickly and easily replicate. This similar times of day. sport. would underpin a bottom up approach to growing The scarcity of soccer facilities throughout country The smaller team sizes required of soccer is an soccer participation within the region and feed into Victoria and the acceptance of synthetic surfaces as advantage in smaller towns where it might be difficult new or established junior competitions similar to being suitable for the sport might lend itself to to attract the number of players required for an those in Moama and Swan Hill. developing fewer facilities each with a greater Australian football team. Conversely any decline in capacity and centralizing activities at these venues. the number of individual participants can have a Hockey’s use of synthetic pitches increases the significant effect on the ability of a club to field a capacity for use of a facility and decreases the team. number of facilities required. However centralizing all Whilst it may be possible to generate sufficient the activities of a sport within a municipality or a interest to establish a soccer team this may be offset region whilst maintaining a local club competition by the experience of having to travel larger distances may compromise the connection the sport has with for regular season competition when compared to local communities and smaller towns and impacts the demands placed upon local Australian football upon the sustainable practices of individual clubs. teams. Long established Australian football competitions There is some variability to weekly match times for provide a good illustration of the local regions that the various soccer competitions across the region. serve as catchments for competitions amongst Australian football competitions appear to have very similarly resourced clubs. consistent match start times each week for each open and age group competition. The lower number of soccer teams across the region and the inability of all clubs to field teams in all age groups limits the ability of competition administrators to schedule a consistent match start time each week.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 5 The emergence of hockey Regional Sports Assemblies
There are three Regional Sports Assemblies (RSA’s) Outdoor hockey is an emerging winter sport in the The potential introduction of soccer in the Loddon that support the growth and development of sporting Loddon Mallee Region, particularly in the Shires of and Buloke Shires would be more likely to succeed if clubs across Loddon Mallee. The role of RSA’s is to Loddon and Buloke, which both have multiple clubs a summer program such as futsal was offered, rather promote and service the sport and recreation sector, and high participation rates in junior and senior than trying to compete with other sports. Many provide training and development programs, and to competitions. juniors who play hockey in the winter also play football or netball, making it difficult to attract players build the capacity of sporting clubs to enable them to The North Central Hockey Association is the main to soccer. provide healthy and sustainable sporting competition provider for hockey in this part of the opportunities. region and currently services six hockey clubs There is a strong population of summer soccer RSA’s receive funding from a number of state located in the Loddon Mallee, including two in the players in the region with leagues such as BASL government agencies including SRV and Vic Health Loddon Shire and four in Buloke Shire. The hockey offering a successful Summer 5’s program which is to deliver a variety of programs and opportunities for season runs between March to September each year played on a natural grass pitch at the Epsom Huntly sport and recreation clubs. on a Saturday and along with the local AFL league is Recreation Reserve. The use of grass pitches over dominating winter sport in this area of the region. summer, where there is no competition for space A summary of the role and function of the three from hockey, netball or the AFL, may provide an RSA’s that impact the Loddon Mallee region is Hockey participation data from 2012 indicated that opportunity for soccer to be introduced into the provided below. there were an average of over 50 players at each of Loddon and Buloke Shires, perhaps as an expansion the six clubs in the Loddon and Buloke Shires. Many of the BASL Summer 5’s competition junior hockey participants in the area also participate in other sports such as netball and AFL during the The push to introduce outdoor winter soccer on a winter as these sports collaborate with each other in shared hockey surface might be a bit more regards to scheduling matches to maximise challenging. Although programming and fixturing to participation across all sports. allow sports to share the same venue could be overcome, the maintenance and safety of playing All six clubs have a natural turf hockey pitch which is fields would be compromised if soccer and hockey being used by the clubs between 10 and 15 hours were to share the same ground during the same per week and are not shared with any other groups season. or sporting clubs. Of the six clubs only one (Charlton Hockey Club) shares its change rooms with the local The wear and tear placed on the turf during a soccer netball club and half of the facilities used by hockey match would create an uneven surface which is not are floodlit to accommodate evening training. suitable for hockey. A large majority of a game in soccer is concentrated in the penalty area and goals, where over a season local grounds tend to develop high wear areas which would also be unsuitable for hockey.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 6 Sports Focus Wimmera Regional Sports Mallee Sports Assembly Assembly (WRSA) Sports Focus is based in the City of Greater Bendigo The WRSA is based in Horsham but services the The Mallee Regional Sports Assembly (MSA) has an and is the RSA for the Loddon Campaspe region. LGA’s of Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack. office in Mildura, Swan Hill and Wycheproof. The Sports Focus services the LGA’s of Central MSA believes soccer has a positive image and has Although these areas have limited soccer, with only Goldfields, Macedon, Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, grown considerably in recent years. one team represented in Nhill (Hindmarsh), the Loddon and Mount Alexander and have a focus on WRSA believe soccer has a growing interest in the All soccer clubs, with the exception of Nichols Point, club development and capacity building. community as the area becomes more populated are members of the MSA, and pay a $30 fee for 12 Sports Focus has a strong involvement with soccer with new arrivals. The WRSA aims to assist new months club membership. MSA offers promotion, in the region and has recently identified a shift arrivals with an interest in soccer by linking them with advice and support for clubs in areas of volunteer towards soccer as a twelve month operation, rather mainstream clubs, by way of Come and Try Days, training, club development and governance. The than just a seasonal sport. This has put more then directing them to the most appropriate local MSA also offer members access to meeting space, pressure on club volunteers and their capacity to club. local media coverage and participation in the annual perform at a high level all year round. Clubs are sports awards event. The WRSA offers courses, seminars and workshops often consumed by the operational requirements of a to assist clubs with their welcoming and inclusive Club governance seems to be a constant issue for club, with limited resourcing of the sport development policies. This is most relevant for the soccer club local community based clubs and the MSA are or planning aspects, which in most cases is seen as based in Nhill which is primarily made up of tailoring programs to support this need. The MSA is the responsibility of governing bodies. members of the Karen community, an ethnic group also working on strengthening strategic partnerships Sports Focus believe soccer players are more from Burm. The WRSA are currently working with and meet with DPCD, Council’s and State prepared to travel to play with their chosen club more the club on its welcoming and inclusive policies and Government on a regular basis. than other sport in the region. This supports soccer’s providing them with up to date information designed MSA aims to up skill clubs and ensure they are broad catchment area across the region and to assist with the assimilation of the Karen sustainable, self sufficient and are educated in highlights the geographical challenges players face community into soccer. developing community programs for minority groups to participate in soccer. The barriers to increasing soccer participation in such as new arrivals and people with disabilities. Sports Focus is interested in developing areas that Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack include the lack of Support for soccer fluctuates depending on specific promote inclusive based programs and that are infrastructure and establishing a ‘champion’ for the and individual need. attractive to people with disabilities. This is evident sport that has the drive to generate interest in soccer The MSA believe the biggest challenge facing through their support of BASL in the coordination and and develop sustainable programs and activities. soccer, especially in Mildura, is there inability to raise programming of a disability based futsal program. revenue and support themselves. The requirement for all players to provide a birth certificate to register through My Football is also seen as a barrier for some aboriginal players as they simply did not have one.
The MSA believe soccer needs to continue to promote a positive image of offering a non contact sport suitable for all ages and genders and as a safe 7 Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 alternative to Aussie Rules.
Stakeholders Consultation program
There are many government, sport and community As part of the research behind the Soccer Project consultation methodology undertaken with stakeholders that contribute to the operational, Development Plan for Loddon Mallee, the following the above stakeholders included. management and facility requirements of soccer in stakeholders were consulted in order to gather Project Steering Group meetings and the Loddon Mallee Region which drives participation relevant information and to highlight the range of o presentations and development of the sport. The project called for perspectives across the soccer community. a robust governance and management structure to Presentation and reporting to the Loddon Mallee Project Steering Group o ensure strong representation from state, regional and o Regional Sport and Recreation Network local stakeholders. All 12 Loddon Mallee LGA’s (including Hindmarsh o On line survey of all soccer clubs , leagues and and Yarriambiak) o The following diagram visually represents the associations ,and schools in Loddon Mallee management structure in place for the project. See Regional Sports Assemblies including Mallee o Meetings and interviews with Council staff from Figure 2: Project Management Structure below. Sports Assembly, Wimmera Regional Sports o the participating LGA’s Assembly and Sports Focus Interviews with local soccer administrators and Stakeholder groups Peak sporting bodies and local soccer leagues o o FFV Zone Development Officers and providers including FFV, BASL, Sunraysia, Key Stakeholders Swan Hill and Echuca Moama Raiders o On-site facility inspection and analysis of all soccer venues (pitches and buildings) in Loddon To be informed and briefed on the progress of the Loddon Mallee Soccer Clubs o Mallee Loddon Mallee Soccer Development Plan. o State Government Departments (DPCD, SRV) o Individual meetings with key staff from FFV Project Steering Group (PSG) o The Loddon Mallee Regional Sport and regarding development, strategy, growth and Provide input, direction and feedback into the Recreation Network direction of soccer in Loddon Mallee project at key stages. o Loddon Mallee Primary and Secondary Schools o Phone interviews and meetings with Regional Sports Assemblies Loddon Mallee LGA’s and RSA Recreation Network o Distribution of key project messages via project newsletters (x3) Provide technical advice and input into the project.
Loddon Mallee Regional Sport and Recreation Network Provide strategic direction and input on key issues and opportunities. Project Consultants (IESLP) Undertake strategy development.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 8 POLICY & PLANNING
FACILITY Stakeholder framework PROVISION SPORT GOVERNMENT COMMUNITY & FUNDING The key stakeholders for the delivery of soccer in Loddon Mallee have been grouped into three key categories in order to identify the primary role and FFA ASC NATIONAL function each will need to play through the implementation of the Loddon Mallee Sports Development Plan. SRV, DPCD, 1. Sport: Includes National and State Sporting FFV DEECD STATE Organisations, Vicsport, Leagues, Associations and Clubs, sports academies and local providers of sport.
REGIONAL 2. Government: Includes Federal and State LEAGUES & LODDON SPORTS Government departments and agencies, Local ASSOCIATIONS MALLEE LGAS REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES Government Authorities in the Loddon Region and individual LGA’s.
3. Community: Includes RSA’s, schools, INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, community organisations, program deliverers CLUBS LODDON COMMUNITY LOCAL and Loddon Mallee residents. MALLEE LGA’S & DEVELOPERS Figure 3 visually represents the connection and relationships between stakeholder groups as they relate to the Loddon Mallee Soccer Development PROGRAM CAPACITY Plan. & ACTIVITY BUILDING, DELIVERY SUPPORT & EDUCATION
LODDON MALLEE RESIDENTS
Figure 3: Stakeholder framework
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 9 Roles and Responsibilities Sub-regional / Stakeholder State Regional Municipal Local The following table outlines the key roles, Zone and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in the planning, development and deliver of State Sport, government Support for regional RSA funding Facility development Provision of and community policy planning, facilities funding information and soccer in Loddon Mallee. Government and direction setting and events resources The connections and cooperation between these stakeholders is crucial to ensuring soccer continues to be well resourced and governed, facilities are strategically RSA’s n/a Strategic planning Office presence and Program support and Club training and and resource RSA coordination delivery education activities, planned and delivered to meet the requirements of the Sports Focus, Mallee Sports Assembly, management school linkages sport, and the needs of local clubs and associations are Wimmera Sports recognised and supported to ensure their ongoing Assembly viability. Local Government and FFV play a crucial role in the growth and development of soccer in Loddon Mallee FFA / FFV Rules, coaching, Promotion, event Governance support, Government liaison, School program, through the management and provision of soccer facilities, officiating, support, program competition facility development equipment / competition structures and pathways, access, club competition structure, coordination management, merchandising, club pathways, strategic strategic planning, affiliation, support development and sustainability, advocacy, strategic direction, resourcing ZDO’s, program programs, discipline, direction and marketing and promotion. implementation identifying key individuals This development plan recognises the important role each stakeholder plays in delivering soccer in Loddon Mallee and encourages collaboration and coordination across each level to maximise key the key outcomes and benefits Local Advocacy Rec Officers Forum, Connection to RSAs, Policy and planning, Club development, for the sport. regional event support facility funding, facility access, school Government development, sport promotion liaison coordination
Associations n/a n/a Competition Ground access Club liaison management, pathway connections, officiating
Clubs n/a Facility access, Facility access, Player, coach, official Promotion, activity pathway support pathway support recruitment delivery, facility management
Schools n/a Regional events and Facility access intra and inter school Facility access, tournaments sport school programs
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 10 2. SOCCER IN LODDON MALLEE An overview
The Loddon Mallee Region experienced LGA 2009 2010 2011 2012 significant growth in soccer Campaspe 530 523 529 463 participation over the last decade but in more recent times the number of Central Goldfields 149 128 135 142 registered players has declined. Greater Bendigo 1844 1782 1885 1824
The total number of registered soccer players in Hindmarsh 0 0 0 18 2012 was 3,920 compared to 4278 in 2009, a decrease of 8% across the Region. Most LGA’s have Macedon Ranges 298 275 313 358 seen a decline in numbers to varying degrees, with Mildura 776 736 668 630 the exception of Macedon Rages who have experienced a 20% increase and Hindmarsh who Mount Alexander 255 228 221 227 had 18 players start a new club in 2012. Swan Hill 426 318 293 258
The following tables outline the number of registered Total 4278 3990 4044 3920 club players by LGA across the Region and the fluctuation and ultimate decline in registered players since 2009. Total number of registered soccer players by LGA 2009 to 2012.
Of the registered players participating at Clubs in the Club Members by LGA Loddon Mallee Region 77% are male and 23% female. The total number of registered players 4400 makes up approximately 7% of the total number of 4300 4278 registered soccer players in Victoria (52,911).
Of the 3,920 registered players 84% participate in 4200 SSF and 35% of players are classified as juniors. This has implications for the future provision of 4100 4044 soccer facilities and equipment that support entry 3990 level programs and activities. 4000 3920 Registered soccer players in FFV’s Loddon Mallee 3900 Zone make up 7% of the total number of players across the State. This is similar in numbers to the 3800 Goulburn North East, Northern and Central FFV Zone. 3700 2009 2010 2011 2012
Decline in registered club members in the Region from 2009 to 2012.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 11 Participation Hot Spots
The key areas for soccer participation in Loddon Mallee are centred around the main population cities of Bendigo, Mildura, Echuca and Macedon. Collectively these four municipalities had 3,275 registered players in 2012, making up 83% of the total number of registered players in Loddon Mallee. The map below provides the key areas for soccer participation in yellow, with the unshaded areas representing no participation. In 2012, soccer clubs in the City of Greater Bendigo provided for a total of 1824 registered players. This figure has remained steady over the past three years with the popularity of SSF, the quantity of soccer facilities available and the number of clubs located in Bendigo. Although soccer participation remains strong in Mildura, the number of registered players has declined by 23% from 776 in 2009 to 620 in 2012. This has generally been as a result of young people moving out of the municipality, management and administration issues and players transferring to sports such as AFL. Similarly the Shire of Campaspe recorded a decrease of 12% in the number of registered players from 530 in 2009 to 463 in 2012. The steady population growth in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council has resulted in an increase in the number of registered players from 298 in 2009 to 358 in 2012, an increase 20% in three years. The popularity of SSF and more women and young girls playing soccer has contributed to this increase.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 Total number of registered players in Loddon Mallee 12
FFV Structure FFV is recognised as the organisation responsible for the administration, promotion and delivery of football (soccer) and futsal (indoor football) in the state. FFV is directly responsible for the delivery of soccer competition in Mildura, provides support for all other local competitions, delivers capacity building programs for clubs, provides pathway opportunities and a range of other events and activities for soccer in Loddon Mallee.
FFV is structured into twelve separate zones across the State (refer map below), including the Loddon Mallee Zone. The number of registered players in each zone is evenly spread, with Loddon Mallee contributing to approximately 7% of the total number of registered players in the State. The table below provides the number of registered players based on club members within each FFV zone across the State
2012/13 FFV Zone Registered % Players 1. Gippsland Zone 2,937 6% 2. Goulburn North East Zone 3,684 7% 3. Loddon Mallee Zone 3,905 7% 4. Wimmera South Coast Zone 4,541 9% 5. Central Zone 3,695 7% 6. Eastern Zone 3,984 8% 7. North East Zone 5,469 10% 8. Northern Zone 3,645 7% 9. North West Zone 4,208 8% 10. South East Zone 5,899 11% 11. Southern Zone 4,880 9% 12. Western Zone 5,933 11% State Competition / Program Participants 131 0% Total 52,911 100% Note: 2012/13 Registered players is based on club members within each FFV zone.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 FFV Zone Map with the Loddon Mallee Zone represented in dark blue 13 Competitions Clubs Playing Clubs Playing Competitions Within Outside Outside Municipalities Within Region Loddon Mallee Region Region
Sunraysia Mildura All Clubs (6) Seniors (Men & Women), Local Leagues and Associations Youth & Junior Juniors & SSF Swan Hill Swan Hill Soccer League Seniors Mens Within FFV’s Loddon Mallee Zone there are a & Women's total of 21 soccer clubs playing in three soccer Kyabram leagues. These leagues include the Bendigo Shepparton Knights Moama Border Junior SA Raiders Amateur Soccer League (10), the Sunraysia (Seniors & Juniors) League in Mildura (6) and the Goulburn North Campaspe East Football Association (2). Junior teams Moama – Echuca Soccer Association Kyabram & SSF Bendigo Phoenix Goulburn Amateur The major soccer league operating in Loddon Mallee is the North East Soccer League Bendigo Amateur Soccer League (BASL). BASL is based in All Clubs (6) Senior Bendigo and attracts teams from Greater Bendigo, Kyneton, Seniors – Championship Castlemaine, Echuca and Swan Hill. There are locally based Greater Men’s & (Men’s Bendigo Women’s Women’s & junior competitions in Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura. Juniors SSF Youth) Junior Championship Club based SSF is dominant across the Region and is linked to (U12 – U16) Mount Castlemaine SSF (U6 – U11) where junior or senior football is played. The only exception is Alexander Goldfields Nhill (Hindmarsh) where there is only a single senior men’s
team. Kyneton – Seniors Kyneton - SSF Macedon The following diagram displays the various competitions within FFV Metro Ranges Kyneton - and outside the Loddon Mallee Region and the structure of Gisborne Juniors clubs and municipalities within the Region.
Central Goldfields Maryborough
Ballarat
Nhill Yarriambiack
Loddon
Hindmarsh No No Clubs competition Gannawarra
Buloke
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 14 Bendigo Amateur Soccer Moama Echuca Border Sunraysia Football League (BASL) Raiders Soccer Association Association
BASL, the largest soccer competition in the region, The Moama-Echuca Border Raiders Soccer FFV operates the Sunraysia Football Association organises senior and junior competitions for males Association is based in Moama (NSW) and is which has six affiliated clubs based in and around and females and accounts for almost half of the supported by the Campaspe Shire (Vic) and FFV. Mildura who enter teams in senior and junior registered soccer players in Loddon Mallee. competitions. FFV Sunraysia’s Administration The association conducts their own junior Officer is based in Mildura and administers the local The BASL is affiliated with FFV but competitions are competition for school age children and enters competition. The League is governed by FFV and administered by the League’s Operations Manager representative teams to compete in the BASL has in place a Sunraysia Football Committee made from an office in the Bendigo CBD. Referee competition. Teams from the Moama-Raiders Soccer up of local representatives. appointments are made by Football Central Victoria Association competing in the BASL include Men’s Referees and the League is governed by a Division 1 & 2, Women’s, U14 and U12 teams. The A single venue within Mildura hosts the majority of Committee of Management made up of association organises its own locally based matches in the S (Senior) League and J (Junior) representatives of the 10 affiliated clubs. competitions for U7, U9, U11 and U16 teams. League seasons. The Old Aerodrome Sporting Complex includes five full size natural turf soccer Of these 10 clubs 6 are from Greater Bendigo and pitches known as the Aero Ovals. S League one each are based in Castlemaine, Swan Hill, Swan Hill Soccer League matches (Men’s, Women’s & Youth) are played at Echuca and Kyneton. La Trobe University (Greater The Swan Hill Soccer League is affiliated with FFV Aero Ovals each Sunday from late morning. J Bendigo) fields a team in the Men’s Division 3 but run their own junior competition and enter senior League matches (U6-U11) are played at Aero Ovals competition but is not represented on the Committee teams (Men’s Division 1, Men’s Division 2 and each Sunday morning from 10am. of Management. Women’s) in the BASL. The junior competitions Additional matches and competitions played The Strathdale Soccer Club is the largest club in the include Division 1 (6 teams) and Division 2 (4 teams) throughout the winter season include a Knockout BASL with over 450 registered players. and small-sided football for Division 3, U9’s and U8’s. Cup for the clubs in each S League competition and Senior Championship matches (Men’s, Women’s & the Regional Challenge Cup and South Australian Youth) are played at club venues on a home and Goulburn North East Football Junior Championships for representative teams in a away basis each Sunday. Junior Championship number of age groups. matches (U12-U16) are played at club venues on a (Soccer) Association The Sunraysia Committee is considering applications home and away basis each Saturday morning and from several soccer clubs based across the border in early afternoon. The GNEFA is affiliated with FFV and run a 13 club / 17 team competition in and around the Shepparton South Australia to join the association and SSF for U8 – U11 age groups is played at club area. The Kyabram Phoenix FC are based in the strengthen the local competition. venues on a home and away basis each Saturday Shire of Campaspe and currently field five senior morning or early afternoon. SSF for U6 & U7 age teams in the GNEFA and one junior side in the groups is run at the Epsom Huntly Recreation Shepparton Junior Soccer Association. A second Reserve (Greater Bendigo) each Saturday morning. football (soccer) club is based in Kyabram (Kyabram Districts) and play in the Shepparton Junior Soccer Association.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 15 Loddon Mallee Clubs Loddon Mallee Region Club Summary Matrix There is a total of 21 soccer clubs located in FFV’s Municipality Club Loddon Mallee Zone (the study area), with 18 of these clubs located in the State Government’s Loddon Campaspe Kyabram District /Phoenix SC Mallee Region and two based outside the region in Moama Echuca Boarder Raiders SA Hindmarsh (Nhill Soccer Club) and the Murray Shire Kyabram Knights SC (Moama Echuca Border Raiders). Central Goldfields Maryborough SC A list of clubs located in the study area and there Greater Bendigo Colts United FC location by municipality is provided below. Eaglehawk SC Epsom SC Golden City SC Spring Gully United SC Strathdale SC Hindmarsh Nhill and District Sporting Club Macedon Ranges Gisborne JSC / SC Kyneton District SC
Mildura Irymple Knights SC Mildura City SC Mildura United SC Nichols Point SC Three Colours SC White Stars SC Mount Alexander Castlemaine Goldfields FC Swan Hill Swan Hill Soccer League
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 16 Officials and referees
Across the Loddon Mallee Region FFV is the Given the geographical location of the Loddon Loddon Mallee 2011 2012 responsible authority for the recruiting of Mallee Region, referees are sometimes required Competitions referees, providing referee courses, education to travel long distance to officiate matches. Gender Male Female Male Female and accreditation programs, and developing and Although FFV’s aim is to recruit referees from implementing strategies to retain referees. locally based clubs to participate in local Bendigo 58 4 35 3 competitions there is often a requirement for Mildura 16 2 29 3 The number of registered referees officiating referees to travel long distances. football (soccer) matches across the region has Swan Hill 4 3 2 3 decreased in recent seasons, with only Mildura The demands on referees to travel long distances Echuca / Moama 3 0 2 0 to participate in matches and the reliance on increasing referee numbers from 18 in 2011 to 32 Goulburn North East 57 8 32 3 in 2012. In total there are 112 registered referees adults and parents to transport junior referees in the Loddon Mallee Region, with the majority in creates many challenges for the retention of Total 138 9 68 9 the BASL (35) and Mildura (32) competitions. referees across the region. The Swan Hill and Echuca Moama competitions FFV provides a variety of referee development only have 5 and 2 registered referees programs to recruit, educate, train and retain respectively. referees in the system. These include:
There are significantly more male referees than Organised academies for grass roots referees females, with the exception of the Swan Hill o competition. The challenge for FFV and the o A ‘budding referees’ program offered to region will be to deliver targeted programs and existing clubs training to support the ongoing development and o Football (soccer) club respect and involvement of female referees and ensure new responsibility program referees are officiating matches that are suitable to their ability and competency levels. o On-line student referee program integrated into local schools The table below outlines the number, age and gender of referees across the Loddon Mallee Region over the last two seasons.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 17 3. SOCCER FACILITIES
The consulting team conducted an The majority of soccer facilities across the Region inspection of every soccer pitch venue are not meeting the requirements of the sport or local clubs. There are major gaps in the provision of in the Loddon Mallee Region using a appropriate soccer facilities, including the number of web based Integrated Monitoring available change rooms, field lighting to minimum System (IMS). standard and social spaces. Ageing infrastructure and lack of maintenance for existing facilities is a Inspections were carried out by specialist consultants major concern for Council’s and user groups. using an IPad over a three week period capturing all Inappropriate grass types for shared use fields is facility information (on field and off field), compliance also creating poor pitch quality and there are limited issues and a photographic record of all fields, training alternatives for clubs to protect their main buildings and supporting infrastructure. Below is a pitch during peak season. summary of key findings and important considerations for future decision making from the 17 soccer venues inspected.
o 70% have non unisex change rooms o 82% have a designated officials room o Only 35% have a designated first aid room o Average of 1.2 change room per pitch A total 0f 46 football (soccer) pitches were inspected by the consultants across the Region with the following key findings recorded:
o 32 senior, 7 junior, 3 training and 2 synthetic o 80% of pitches had floodlights to varying levels o Approximately 50% of the pitches were shared with other sports
o 21% of pitches were rated in excellent condition, 45% good and 17% only fair A full report of all facility inspections undertaken is provided in Part C of this study.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 18 Existing provision and standards FFV Class LGA Venue A B C D FFV’s Rules of Competition (2012) outlines the City of Greater Bendigo Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve minimum facility requirements for each venue category. Venues are rated A to D based on select Shadforth Park criteria for fields of play, player and official amenity, Stanley Avenue spectator amenity and operations and media capacity. Beischer Oval FFV facility criteria was applied to all existing soccer Strathfieldsaye Sports Club facilities in Loddon Mallee and all facilities were given a rating based on the Rules of Competition guidelines Truscott Reserve and criteria provided by FFV. Shire of Campaspe Northern Oval The class and rating for each venue inspected is Perricoota Road, Moama provided in the table below. Haslem Street Oval Central Goldfields Shire Frank Graham Oval Macedon Ranges Shire Dixon Field Barkly Square City of Swan Hill Ken Harrison Reserve City of Mildura Aero Ovals Kenny Park Reserve Henshilwood Park Reserve Nicholls Point Mount Alexander Shire Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 19 Loddon Mallee Facility Hierarchy
This section identifies a range of The analysis of existing soccer facility provision and The Loddon Mallee Football Facility Hierarchy is opportunities in establishing an ideal distribution, and from the participation and trend provided as a guide to future facility provision. It is analysis conducted, it was evident that a number of not a set of facility requirements that need to and practical mix of soccer outdoor likely changes and developments will be required in be met by every soccer facility across the competition and training facilities order to better service soccer in the Loddon Mallee region. The hierarchy sets a consistent direction across Loddon Mallee. It also provides Region over the next 10 years and beyond. for future facility provision and development, but it must also consider and work in conjunction with guidelines for the future provision, In creating change and improving facility provision government, land owner and asset manager location and development of facilities across the region, and in balancing the competing policies and requirements. at each level of the Loddon Mallee needs for facility renewal, it will be important to utilise the current facility landscape to form the key basis Football Facility Hierarchy. from which to develop any future ideal or practical The Football (Soccer) Development Plan for guideline for future facilities. Loddon Mallee and its future strategies and actions Appendix 1 sets out the proposed soccer facility are based on the provision of a mix of facilities to hierarchy for the Loddon Mallee Region, which will suit a range of football club, participation and guide the future support, provision and development program needs that will enable the sport to keep of football facilities over the next 10 years. Its pace with changing trends and demands and development has been informed by regional soccer provide the soccer playing public with the greatest needs and requirements, existing league and opportunity to play, experience and enjoy the sport competition structures, as well as assessing the at their preferred level. identified gaps and opportunities with the existing The Loddon Mallee Football Facility Hierarchy Loddon Mallee soccer facility landscape. considers a number of important strategic
documents and linkages with the sport nationally, with state-wide competition structures and with Local Government sector facility planning and management guidelines. These documents will also guide the planning and development of individual facilities and assist in identifying specific needs and requirements. Key policy linkages include FFV’s Strategic Plan 2012 – 2015.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 20 Hierarchy levels
The following definitions outline the District Local purpose and context of each level of the District facilities will provide a mix of football facilities Local facilities will primarily consist of public open proposed hierarchy. The table on the and amenities that primarily meet user club needs, space areas, shared sports fields and school following page provides more specific but also act as feeder facilities for Regional facilities grounds that can be utilised for basic levels of and associated football activities. District facilities football activity provision or as overflow facilities for detail on facility location, provision, use are likely to be formed by the existing football club existing clubs. Local facilities will generally only and management models and identifies network playing across the Loddon Mallee Region. serve local catchment areas (individual suburbs or some potential future development The distinct difference between District and Regional townships) and will be need to be collectively opportunities for soccer. facilities is the club control and focus of District developed between Clubs, LGAs and Schools. facilities, compared with the broad and Negotiating usage partnerships between all partners Regional encompassing community and event focus of will be a joint responsibility and the provision of Regional facilities provide a range of football facilities Regional facilities. Clubs will need to work with the support amenities are likely to be driven by the and amenities to meet broad needs and service the Local Government sector to lead this level of facility football club network, however LGAs and Schools as sport of football primarily. Facilities will be high development, supported by FFV who will need to the likely asset managers will need to support any quality and their provision will be targeted for negotiate with FFA and State Government to assist amenity provision. in delivering improved District facilities across the development in key population growth areas, as well Every site and every facility is different and will region. as new developments in areas where football require dedicated funding to be sourced prior to facilities are currently under supplied. FFV will lead Club development. Local Government processes, development of Regional facilities and manage requirements and priorities vary considerably and will Club facilities will make up the majority of football ongoing partnerships with property developers, Local need to be identified for each individual facility facilities across Loddon Mallee. They will provide the Government and State Government stakeholders. development project. Club involvement in using and accessing Regional necessary infrastructure to deliver football and facilities is essential, but management models will primarily serve neighbourhood catchment areas in As such, the detailed elements identified above can not encourage club ownership and control of these regional townships and will deliver club level football only be fully realised at the time of detailed planning facilities. activities. The Club network in association with phases, for all levels of the Loddon Mallee Football individual LGAs will primarily be responsible for the Facility Hierarchy. provision, use and development of Club level A detailed summary of the Loddon Mallee facilities. Football (Soccer) Facility Hierarchy is provided in Appendix 1.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 21 Indoor Facilities
The growing interest in futsal and indoor soccer There are some basic facility requirements for entry across the State, and the aspirations of many clubs level futsal including at least 1m run off, a basketball to offer summer soccer as part of their suite of size indoor court, ceiling heights, minimal line marking – programs, has driven the need to investigate and requirements increase as standard increases explore the availability of existing indoor venues A high percentage of the 60 indoor sports facilities in across the region to support the sport. the region are occupied during peak periods and Futsal is seen as a development tool for the sport but provides a reason as to why the majority of current it also has its own pathway through FIFA for indoor soccer competitions and futsal programs are tournaments, players, coaches and referees. Futsal held on a Friday or Sunday evening. Of the 60 indoor is described as the traditional indoor five a side facilities, a high percentage are located in large football which is currently played spasmodically population centres such as Bendigo, Macedon and across the region. Some outdoor futsal exists in Mildura, with most being a mix of crown land, council Loddon Mallee and is played mostly in Mildura due to land or located on a school site. a lack of available indoor facilities, although FIFA Further investigation into the availability and use of prefer the sport not to be played on natural grass indoor courts will be required by Council’s, FFV and surfaces. soccer providers to establish an understanding of In the Loddon Mallee Region, Macedon Ranges has facility, program and partnership opportunities to the highest participation rate of futsal players expand futsal programs and activities. (approximately 400), with 90% of these juniors The following page provides a visual representation players. The Bendigo futsal comp is organised by of all existing outdoor soccer venues and indoor BASL and is junior only and played at the Bendigo sports courts suitable for soccer in Loddon Mallee. Secondary College. Swan Hill has a junior futsal association being run out of the local basketball stadium. There are also some commercial futsal providers operating in the region which is supported by FFV as it provides opportunities to promote the sport. A clear play development pathway exists for futsal with elite players able to participate in the State Club Championships which are held at the Epsom facility in Bendigo. The FFA Futsal Championships, to be held in 2015, also provides opportunities for national standard players to participate. A regionally based school competition for the region is being investigated by FFV.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 22
4. CLUB NEEDS
Online Club Survey Club Survey Results
As part of the stakeholder consultation The following statements are a summary of the key o A number of clubs indicated that the cost to participate in soccer, in particular player and information gathering process for regional issues, opportunities, observations and thoughts of the clubs generated from the survey registration fees, is much higher than other sports the project, and to identify the key results. and is impacting participation issues and opportunities that are There is a strong emphasis on the provision of o AFL is generally the preferred sport of choice in impacting the development of soccer in o junior soccer and introductory soccer programs Loddon Mallee and is dominating the sporting the region, an on-line survey was such as Small Sided Football (SSF) across the landscape due to the culture of sport across the distributed to 21 soccer clubs and 250 region. All clubs indicated that they are currently region and the perception of soccer clubs is that it is cheaper to play AFL schools in the region. offering a junior program (100%), with 84% offering SSF for under 9’s to under 11’s, and 79% Clubs indicated strongly that they are struggling A total of 18 fully completed and 1partially completed o of clubs offering SSF for under 7’s. with the retention and training of coaches, which survey was received from clubs and 37 completed has a negative effect on player numbers and the surveys received from various primary and Soccer in the region is becoming a 12 month o quality of programs being offered. secondary schools. The findings represent 90% of all operation with approximately 10% of clubs stating they require use of their facilities all year round. clubs and 15% of all schools in the region. The two o Survey results indicate that there are significantly clubs that did not submit a survey were Nhill, located The availability of these facilities and the need for more boys participating in soccer in the region in Hindmarsh and Kyabram Districts, located in the Council’s to restore and maintain on field than girls with only 7girls teams registered Campaspe Shire and the Kyabram Phoenix infrastructure can impact on the club’s capacity to compared with 85 boys team. The capacity to submitted only a partially completed survey. Survey offer summer soccer programs. accommodate more girls teams is being impacted responses were analysed giving consideration to the Over 70% of clubs share their facilities with other by the lack of change facilities at many venues. four key themes of participation, competition and o sports or community groups during the winter Clubs indicated a general demand for an increase player development, club structure and facility o season, which can restrict the ability of clubs to in pavilion space and change room capacity as a development. expand programs and services and grow the high priority over on field infrastructure and both sport. The most common shared arrangement is on field and off field infrastructure condition and with AFL and schools during the regular winter maintenance rated poorly amongst clubs season and cricket, athletics and touch football during the off season (summer). o Lighting provision, perimeter fencing and team benches were identified by clubs as their most o Clubs are responding to demand by offering a immediate priority for improving their on-field range of soccer programs specifically catering for facilities indigenous players, new arrivals and migrant communities and people with disabilities which are having a positive impact on participation.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 23 o In regards to off field facilities a high percentage o Interestingly, only 10% of clubs have a current o Council’s in the Loddon Mallee Region have been of clubs (21%) indicated the need for more player business plan to support their operations, with 30% slow to respond to the demand for improved soccer change rooms to accommodate existing and indicating they are in the process of developing one facilities and enhancement of existing infrastructure, future team numbers. and 60% not having any plans. When asked which especially around provision of adequate change areas of club development do clubs need further facilities and lighting. When asked about any planned Clubs believe that the overall poor standard of off o support with 79% said funding acquisition, 74% facility improvements at their venues, clubs indicated field and on field infrastructure and the absence indicated grant applications and 63% business and that minimal planning was underway despite the of appropriate social facilities is impacting their strategic planning (see graph below). significant need for upgraded facilities. ability to grow and provide a sustainable club culture. o In regards to who should be responsible for o In terms of recent investment from stakeholders in the providing or supporting clubs in delivering the above development of soccer facilities across the region, There is a need for more social spaces and o services, 88% of them believe that FFV should be clubs indicated that local government provided more spectator amenities to connect people and providing assistance with soccer program than $1.4m over the last three years. The pie graph provide facilities that build and facilitate social development and delivery and coach education, with provided in appendix 2 illustrates approximate interaction and a strong club culture through the 78% of clubs believing that it is local government’s stakeholder investment in soccer facilities from provision of more social areas. role to provide guidance and assistance with funding various stakeholders including local, state and federal o Making facilities more suitable for women was applications and providing access to facility planning government, local leagues, club fundraising, also seen as a high priority for clubs, with almost and technical information. commercial investors and sponsorship. half of them indicating this in the medium to high Only one club stated that they have completed Of the clubs that do have planned improvement, most priority range. However it was interesting to o o FFV’s Facility Development Plan, with five clubs indicated that these are facility based such as establish that when asked how they predicted indicating they are in the process of developing one. pavilion, car parking and lighting upgrades, rather their memberships to change over the next three A high percentage (almost 70% of clubs) indicated than any program based improvements. years 45% of clubs indicated they will not have that they don’t have a Facility Development Plan and any members in the junior girl category. When asked how they think soccer could be improved are mostly relying on their local Council’s rather than o across the region a mixed response was received There is a strong focus and need for clubs to FFV to undertake this work. o from clubs. Clubs who provided a response indicated investigate and secure sponsorship and grant Clubs are relying heavily on the use of web sites to that more funding to help with facility improvements, opportunities to offset the perceived high costs o advertise programs and services, promote activities, support with attracting and retaining volunteers and associated with player registrations and club and communicate with members. Survey results improved media coverage and promotion for the sport operations and to participate in club development showed that the majority of clubs are administering is required. activities. As identified in the graph below, 79% their own web sites and are not using the free web of clubs rely on local councils to provide club Other suggestions made by clubs to help promote site provided by FFV. o development activities, followed by FFV (63%). and develop soccer in the region was to increase the support from FFV by appropriately resourcing the role of the Zone Development Officers, with a focus on providing clear player and competition pathways and providing more accessible and frequent coaching courses.
Club survey responses have been collated into a series graphs and provided in Appendix 2. Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 24
School Survey Results
The following statements are a summary of school o Schools indicated that soccer is a reasonably o Of particular interest is that almost 60% of schools responses to specific questions regarding current and popular lunch time activity during winter with almost stated that they would like more information or future soccer provision, equipment, facilities and 30% stating that 20 plus students would participate support from FFV regarding how they can introduce resources to support soccer development and in an informal ‘kick around’ each day. soccer (both indoor and outdoor) into the school opportunities to increase the profile of the sport in sports program. The identity of these schools will be Schools across the region appear reasonably well schools and across the region. o provided to FFV for follow up. equipped to offer soccer programs as part of their o A sample of 15% of schools responded from curriculum, with only 10% indicating that they do not o Schools were asked how they thought soccer could across the region, with more primary schools have any suitable playing area or equipment to improve its profile in the region. The most popular (70%) than secondary schools (30%) represented. support soccer activities responses were for the peak body to provide more Of the 37 schools in the region that responded to soccer clinics and coaching activities and be more Almost half the schools who responded to the the survey, over 80% stated that they are offering o active in the region, provide more elite player visits survey indicated that they have access to indoor soccer as part of their school sports or physical and offer practical and targeted promotional material sports courts however only 13 schools are currently education program. The type of soccer offered is and giveaways. offering a futsal or indoor based soccer program. predominantly outdoor (96%). Some schools passed comment that they don’t know o The majority of schools suggested that they would o Of the schools who currently don’t offer any soccer enough about the futsal program. This presents an be interested in FFV offering skill based programs to activities, half of them indicated that this was opportunity for FFV to work with those schools that build the capacity of their sports teachers to enable because there was a greater demand for other have access to indoor courts but are not currently them to offer practical and targeted sessions to sports, with the most popular being AFL, cricket, offering any indoor soccer activities. students. netball and basketball, and 70% indicated that they
had offered soccer previously.
o Of the 16% of schools who don’t currently provide for soccer, 83% of them indicated they would consider introducing it in the future.
o 83% of the schools who responded to the survey participate in interschool sports carnivals involving soccer.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 25 5. ECONOMIC BENEFIT
Sport plays a key role in contributing to A current list of events and tournaments held in the Economic impact, always a lesser amount than economic the local economy, particularly in Loddon Mallee Region is provided below. contribution, is the net-spending generated in the region by people, businesses and other organisations that would regional and rural areas of Victoria. o Boys FC tournament not normally be made within the region (i.e. people Local economies are well supported visiting the region and non-local businesses and other o Victorian Champions League Gala organisations spending money in the region due to the through attendances at sporting events Summer Zone Representative Competition sport’s activities). and home and away fixtures and through o the purchasing of local products at o Regional Challenge Cup Soccer is a large sector within the sport and recreation industry in terms of: shops and retailers and at club canteens. o Country League Football Association Country Championship Participants (from entry level and grass roots social AFL Victoria estimated more than 6 million o players through to elite competitors involved in the A- attendances at community level football in Victoria in The Loddon Mallee Lighting Football Club has been League and even international professional teams). 2011. In addition, the AFL independently assesses the formed in partnership with FFV to represent the economic impact of Australian football on the Central and North West area of Victoria in the o Club members and volunteers. economy. The impact of community football (outside of Victorian Champions League. Loddon Mallee Spectators and other stakeholders. the AFL Clubs and the AFL competition) in Victoria is Lightning is a club which is representative of the o estimated at $720 million per annum. football associations in the major centres within the o Paid employers and contractors. Loddon Mallee zone including Kyneton, Kyabram, The provision and hosting of major events across a Supplier businesses directly providing products and Castlemaine, Bendigo, Echuca-Moama, Swan Hill and o range of sports including soccer is a key focus for the services to the sport. Mildura. Loddon Mallee Region and a positive contributor to All this soccer activity has an economic flow-on effect to generating local interest in sport, increasing tourism Contribution of Soccer in other sectors of industry, such as: promotion and spending, and in raising the regional profile of sport. These events have the ability to Loddon Mallee Region o Insurance, legal, marketing and information provide multi-million dollar contributions back into local technology and regional development. Economic contribution of a sport measures the total Printing and media financial flows added to a regional economy by the o
direct, indirect and induced expenditure created by the o Health and education Events activities of the sport. The measurement of economic Retailing There are a number of events held each year in the contribution of soccer will reveal the importance of the o Loddon Mallee Region. These events are generally sport relative to other sports and other industries but, o Sporting goods arguably, much of this contribution could be based in key population areas such as Bendigo and Construction and trades Mildura, attract players, officials and spectators from substituted by local residents and businesses re- o across Victoria and interstate and contribute positively directing their spending to other sports or recreation o Accommodation and food service to the local economy. pursuits if soccer was not available. o Transport.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 26 Among small, local clubs the voluntary sector remains critical, and most sports are greatly enhanced by this voluntary input. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that, in 2010, there were 2.3 million people working as volunteers in sport and physical recreation organisations in Australia. Over half of these volunteers (54% or 925,900) were involved in coaching, umpiring or judging. There were also high proportions of sport and physical recreation volunteers involved in administrative and clerical roles (37%) or management and committee work (32%). The components of economic contribution of soccer in the Loddon Mallee are summarised in Figure 1, and the value of this contribution can be calculated from:
o Club and league/association financial statements (which detail the nature of expenditure).
o The number of soccer participants in the region. This will include the 4,000+ club players, but also those involved in ‘entry level’ programs.
o Volunteer involvement, spectator attendances and non- playing membership of clubs.
o Details of specific soccer events in the region, such as regional championships or carnivals (and the duration and associated attendances).
o Businesses and organisations which make a known and direct contribution to the sport (such as sponsors and contract suppliers and Councils or other facility owners).
o The estimated flow-on effect of the direct expenditure, modelled by either known local-non-local supply chain expenditure patterns, some of which is already implicit in the above categories.
Economic impacts are derived from the same components but it would be necessary to collect data on visitors and non- local organisations spending money on soccer activities in the region to make reliable estimates of the impact.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 27 6. CASE STUDIES
The consulting team has provided two The Boys FC tournament began in 2009 with The round robin format and small sided pitches are case studies to support the soccer approximately 300 children and 30 teams competing, both designed to increase player skill development and has grown to an estimated 70 teams and over 950 and provide for increased playing time. New players development plan. Case study one participants in 2012. The 2012 edition saw participants or less credentialed teams do not need to worry looks at the positive social and come from all over the Region including: Bendigo, about being knocked out in the first round, with FFV economic impacts of a successful Echuca, Kyneton, Swan Hill and Castlemaine, and using a guideline of 150 minutes minimum of game tournament being run in Bendigo and Albury, Ballarat and many clubs from metropolitan time per team over the weekend. Melbourne. the second case study showcases how The entire tournament is played at the Epsom Huntly soccer is sharing facilities with a local The willingness of people to travel long distances Recreation Reserve in Bendigo, creating a central within and outside of the Loddon Mallee region to play hub of soccer activity over the two days of tennis club and forging a pathway in an in Boys FC is due to the success of the tournament competition. The venue also provides for a strong AFL dominated region. and its ongoing attraction to young soccer lovers. social element, where participants can mingle Although the metropolitan teams tend to be more between matches or watch their friends play. Some Case Study 1 successful at Boys FC given their stronger focus on of the clubs who travel to the event provide a Boys FC Soccer Tournament pre-season, local team Bendigo Lightning had marquee and set up an area for their participants to The Boys FC tournament is the largest seven-a-side everyone on the edge of their seats as they went all spend time in during the tournament which adds to outdoor tournament in Victoria. The tournament is the way to the final in the 2012 Under 15’s division. the carnival atmosphere. run by Football Federation Victoria (FFV) and is a Boys FC is not just for the next David Beckham A new $3.8M pavilion at the facility provides the pre-season event before winter competition begins, prodigy, with entries open to all participants regardless participants, spectators, and officials a state of the attracting junior soccer players from around the of ability across the age groups. Participants do not art venue to enjoy the event. state. need to be a registered member of an FFV club to FFV provides clear instructions and guidelines on enter the event, therefore any interested children in As the name suggests, Boys FC is a junior entry into the Boys FC tournament on their website, the region or beyond can enter a team with their tournament for boys, catering for players Under 10’s providing a valuable resource to anyone seeking friends and enjoy a soccer experience. to 16’s. The competition format requires teams of 7 information on the event. FFV also provide a link to competing in a round-robin format on a half size The strong emphasis on participation and inclusion is the Bendigo Tourism website, where soccer lovers pitch, with a maximum of 5 substitutes allowed on good news for children with a disability and the strong can view and book accommodation in Bendigo. the bench. The matches are conducted over a population of Karen refugees who have been The soccer community is not the only community weekend in March, with finals held on the Sunday integrated into local soccer programs by the Bendigo who looks forward to Boys FC every year, with the night to conclude the event. Amateur Soccer League (BASL). These children City of Greater Bendigo happily accommodating over already in the soccer system have another opportunity 950 players, their parents and tournament officials. with Boys FC to experience soccer in an enjoyable There is an obvious economic benefit derived from environment. this influx of players, which should continue given the strong participation and continued support from the City of Greater Bendigo.
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 28 Case Study 2 Sharing Facilities in Kerang
Shared tennis facilities are creating Nets and posts are removed and the double tennis opportunities for soccer in Kerang. courts are converted into an outdoor soccer venue which is currently being enjoyed by a small but Sport in the Gannawarra Shire is dominated by AFL, enthusiastic group of regulars. Portable goals and netball, tennis and hockey, but that’s not stopping a other equipment is currently being borrowed from the few persistent and active members of the Kerang Swan Hill Soccer League and transported in private community in trying to generate some interest in cars to support the program. recreational soccer activities. The group is looking to establish a more formal As a member of the engineering team at the relationship with the tennis club and start to advertise Gannawarra Shire, an Irish ex pat and a few pals and promote soccer in Kerang to the wider with a passion for soccer organised a futsal community. The group is looking at purchasing the tournament following Australia’s involvement in the necessary equipment and storing it within the local 2007 World Cup. The tournament attracted over 50 area to avoid transporting it from Swan Hill each participants and ten teams from across the district week. and was supported by Council and the Kerang Outdoor tennis courts in Kerang being used for social soccer programs Basketball Association, through the use of the local Although not as popular as other sports in town, it is basketball stadium. encouraging that soccer at least has a core group of participants driving the sport and providing Despite the tournament not becoming an annual opportunities to participate. As most local soccer event due to a lack of ongoing interest, and possibly players in Kerang drive the 60km’s up the Highway by Australia’s failed follow up World Cup attempts, to play in the Swan Hill League during winter there is John and a few other keen soccer players continued an opportunity for Council and FFV to continue to their push to integrate soccer into the sporting develop and support this small group of local players landscape of Kerang. One of the main challenges to establish a more formal program for soccer in was to find a suitable and available venue in town Kerang. that provided an opportunity to facilitate social soccer and that was not already being dominated by other Outside of the Kerang Tennis Club there is a sporting groups. potential opportunity for soccer to share the grounds of the Kerang High School with the Little Athletics A partnership was formed with the Kerang Lawn Club and offer more formal soccer competitions Tennis Club, one of the most successful and during winter, subject to future demand. The recent progressive sporting clubs in Kerang, who provided conversion of a shearing shed at the Kerang Racing the use of their hard courts for an informal ‘kick Club to an indoor hockey venue may also provide around’ on a Wednesday evening during summer. opportunities for shared use with another sport to support future futsal competitions in Kerang.
Recently renovated shed at the Kerang Race Course being used for indoor hockey and other community activities Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 29 Acknowledgements
insideEDGE Sport and Leisure Planning wishes to We wish to also acknowledge the significant acknowledge the support and assistance of the contribution provided on this project by the Project
following participating State and Local Government Steering Group consisting of: Departments that contributed to the development of Allan Stobaus, Loddon Shire Council this project. o Casey Hovenden, Swan Hill Rural City Council o Graham Treadwell, Macedon Ranges Shire Department Planning and Community o o Council Development (SRV) o Jenny Dyer, DPCD o Loddon Shire Council o Jessie Doull, DPCD o Swan Hill Rural City Council o Lincoln Fitzgerald, City of Greater Bendigo o Macedon Ranges Shire Council o Maria Berry, Football Federation Victoria o Gannawarra Shire Council o Shelley Mulqueen, Sports Focus o Campaspe Shire Council Other important sport, government and community City of Greater Bendigo o stakeholders who assisted in the development of this o Central Goldfields Shire Council plan included: o Buloke Shire Council o Football Federation Victoria (FFV), o Mount Alexander Shire Council o Bendigo Amateur Soccer League o Mildura Rural City Council o Swan Hill Soccer League o Yarriambiack Shire Council o Sunraysia Football Association o Hindmarsh Shire Council o Local clubs o Mallee Sports Assembly o Sports Focus o Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 30
APPENDICIES Appendix 1: Proposed Loddon Mallee Football Facility Hierarchy
HIGHEST POTENTIAL HIERARCHY CURRENT LIKELY CATCHMENT FACILITY PRIMARY USE & MANAGEMENT COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT LEVEL EXAMPLES POPULATION COMPONENTS PURPOSE MODEL LEVEL OPPORTUNITIES A League None State-wide and Stadium A-League, Asian Cup, State Government or International There is no demand or international and World Cup Qualifiers Private Operator competition opportunity for the None in Loddon interstate visitors provision of an A Mallee League soccer facility in the Loddon Mallee Region
REGIONAL Epsom Huntly Multiple LGA areas Minimum 3 full-size National & LGA managed or long- WVPL, VPL, Regional Ken Harrison Reserve Recreation Reserve pitches (additional International term lease to FFV Challenge Cup, FFV (Swan Hill) (Bendigo) FFV Planning Zone pitches are preferred) standard training zone teams and 1 in Loddon Mallee venue Preferably dedicated National Premier Geographical Match capable lighting football only pitches, League Victoria catchments for on minimum of 1 pitch State & Regional but would suit matches Aero Ovals regional areas are and training lights on squads development in (Mildura) greater than for inner others conjunction with city zones. State & Regional Regional Sports Hubs Minimum of 1 full-size events and Precincts. synthetic pitch All forms social and Optional dedicated competition football football 5’s pitches Club training Player, official and spectator amenity to meet FFA and/or FFA standards and requirements
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 31 HIGHEST POTENTIAL HIERARCHY CURRENT LIKELY CATCHMENT FACILITY PRIMARY USE & MANAGEMENT COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT LEVEL EXAMPLES POPULATION COMPONENTS PURPOSE MODEL LEVEL OPPORTUNITIES DISTRICT Aero Ovals Single LGA area Minimum 3 full-size All forms of social and Preferably 5 year Semi-professional Ken Harrison Reserve (Mildura) pitches (or optional competition football lease to occupant Club competition (Swan Hill) multi-functional pitches Strathfieldsaye to maximise usage Club training Or alternatively: 2 in Loddon Mallee Sporting Complex types) (Bendigo) Model club Beischer Oval Match capable lighting management with 12- (Bendigo) on minimum of 1 pitch month of the year and training lights on allocation others Preferably dedicated Moama Sports Club Player, official and football only pitches, (Murray Shire) spectator amenity to but may require some meet FFA and/or FFA ground and amenity standards and sharing based on requirements existing facility configurations CLUB Moama Sports Club Multiple suburbs or Preferred minimum 2 A range of football Annual licence or Club competition and Kenny Park Reserve (Murray Shire) township areas full-size pitches competition that meets seasonal allocation community football (Mildura) 7 across the region local needs programs that meet local sport Truscott Reserve Training lights on at Preferably dedicated and competition (Bendigo) least 2 pitches Club training football only pitches, needs but may require some Shadford Park The capacity to meet ground and amenity (Bendigo) player, official and sharing based on spectator amenity to existing facility Stanley Avenue meet FFA and/or configurations and Reserve FFSA standards and seasonality of shared (Bendigo) requirements sports club usage.
Beischer Oval Preferred 12 months (Bendigo) access to the venue and capacity to close Dixon Field off the venue to (Macedon Ranges) general public use.
Barkly Square (Macedon Ranges)
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 32 HIGHEST POTENTIAL HIERARCHY CURRENT LIKELY CATCHMENT FACILITY PRIMARY USE & MANAGEMENT COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT LEVEL EXAMPLES POPULATION COMPONENTS PURPOSE MODEL LEVEL OPPORTUNITIES LOCAL Frank Graham Oval Local suburb or Public open space Social and school Seasonal licence, Junior club competition Robinvale Secondary (Central Goldfields) township football activities access permit or joint College 6 across the region Shared use sports field use agreement (Swan Hill) to meet club and Northern Oval Junior competition activity growth needs (Campaspe) Minimal infrastructure, with access to toilets Club training and Henshilwood Park and change rooms as overflow Echuca West Reserve a minimum Residential (Mildura) Development (Campaspe) Kenny Park Reserve (Mildura)
Nicholls Point (Mildura)
Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park (Mount Alexander)
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 33 Appendix 2: Online club survey results
Club Provision of Soccer Participation Programs and/or Most Critical / Immediate Priority - On Field Facility Opportunities 2013 (%) Development as indicated by clubs 2013 (%)
Other (please specify) 10.5% Additional floodlighting 31.6% School groups 47.4% Improvements to existing floodlights 21.1% Disadvantaged youth 31.6% Pitch fence 5.3% People with disabilities 36.8% Additional natural grass pitch for matches 5.3% Indigenous players 47.4% Additional natural grass pitch 0.0% Migrant communities 31.6% Upgraded pitch 15.8% New arrivals and migrant communities 47.4%
Junior girls teams / special introductory Synthetic small pitch for training 0.0% 31.6% programs Synthetic pitch / training area 0.0% Masters / Veterans 21.1% Team benches 5.3% Juniors (under 12's) 100.0%
Small Sided Football (Soccer) under 9's to Portable goals 84.2% 0.0% under 11's
Small Sided Football (Soccer) under 7's 78.9% Upgraded goals 0.0%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% 120.0% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0%
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 34 Most Critical / Immediate Priority - Off Field Facility Development Club Development Assistance and Support Provided by Agency as indicated by clubs 2013 (%) 2013 (%)
Car parking 0.0% We do not use any other agencies for club development 0.0% Making our facilities more suitable for women 10.5% and girls Australian Sports Commission 0.0% Accessible amenities / toilets 0.0% Sport and Recreation Victoria 15.8% Spectator seating 21.1%
Public toilets 0.0% VicSport 0.0%
Club office 0.0% VicHealth 26.3%
Equipment / storage room 0.0% Soccer league or association 42.1% Social room 21.1% Football Federation Victoria 52.6% Referee change facilities 0.0% Your local council 73.7% Medical / first aid room 0.0%
Upgraded player change rooms 5.3% Wimmera Sports Assembly 0.0%
More player change rooms 21.1% Mallee Sports Assembly 36.8% Licensed bar 5.3% Sports Focus 36.8% Canteen / kiosk 0.0% 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0%
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 35 What type of support would you like to see from the following stakeholders?
31.3% 62.5% Improved service and response rates 18.8% 50.0% 31.3%
33.3% 77.8% Access to facility planning technical information 33.3% 50.0% 11.1%
25.0% Club Development Areas in Need of Further Support 2013 (%) Guidance and assistance with IT and website 25.0% 50.0% development 50.0% 33.3% No assistance needed 0.0% 18.8% 50.0% Greater communication and information sharing 18.8% Facility planning 36.8% 62.5% 50.0%
23.5% IT and website 31.6% 47.1% Greater advocacy, marketing and promotion 23.5% 70.6% Sponsorship development 57.9% 64.7% 0.0% 5.9% Marketing and promotion 42.1% Coach development and education 0.0% 88.2% 41.2%
Sports trainer (injuries) 47.4% 20.0% 40.0% Volunteer development 40.0% 60.0% Coach education 57.9% 40.0%
Participation based club development 0.0% 31.6% Football (soccer) program development and 5.9% initiatives 0.0% delivery 88.2% 58.8% Volunteer development and retention 57.9% 21.4% Guidance and assistance with governance and 35.7% 28.6% Governance and management 26.3% management 42.9% 35.7%
Grant applications 73.7% 38.9% Guidance and assistance with funding 77.8% 33.3% applications 38.9% Funding acquisition 73.7% 33.3% 17.6% Guidance and assistance with business and 52.9% Strategic planning 52.6% 41.2% strategic planning 41.2% 35.6% Business planning 52.6% 0.0% 50.0% 100.0% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0% State Government Local Government Regional Sports Assembly FFV Local League / Association
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 36 Current levels of funding and Investment into Clubs
Local Government 7% 2% 0% 6% State Government 0%
Federal Government
Local League or Association Private / Commercial Supporters 85% General Club Fundraising
Loddon Mallee | Football (Soccer) | Development Plan │ October 2013 37