Grassroots soccer teams at Belmont Park will be the big winners from an Andrews Labor Government boost to upgrade soccer facilities and encourage more people to play the world game.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane today announced that Belmont Park in Maroondah was among 11 projects to share in our special $2 million Victorian Asia Cup 2015 Legacy Fund.

Record numbers of boys and girls, men and women, are signing up to play soccer, and they deserve the very best facilities. More than 66,000 Victorians played in grassroots soccer competitions in 2016.

The success of the 2015 AFC Asia Cup exceeded all expectations and as a result, delivered a $1.6 million windfall that we are now using to upgrade soccer grounds and encourage more people to play the world game.

From this fund, the Labor Government is now delivering $75,000 for Maroondah City Council to install 50 lux lighting, with the ability to increase to 100 lux in the future  at Belmont Park.

The project will benefit up to 300 participants at the Croydon Arrows Soccer Club, the second largest club in the municipality.

The Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane thanked project partners, Maroondah City Council and Croydon Arrows Soccer club.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane

“The legacy of the 2015 AFC Asia Cup will live on long after the final whistle thanks to this new funding boost for grassroots soccer.”

“This project at Belmont Park will open more doors for aspiring soccer stars to play the game they love.”

“Congratulations to Croydon Arrows soccer club and Maroondah City Council – this boost will go a long way to encouraging more locals to get out on the pitch.”