Upgraded facilities for local female footy players

Published on 05 July 2021

Henry Turner North Reserve in Footscray is now home to newly upgraded female-friendly change rooms and amenities fit for the fast-growing number of local female football players.

Made possible with funding from the Victorian Government and AFL Victoria’s Key Community Facilities Fund, the facilities now meet modern AFL and Cricket standards – ensuring they are more inclusive for female participation with lockable cubicle showers and toilets.

Located adjacent to Victoria University’s Footscray campus, previous facilities had a single cubicle in each change room, with large urinals and open shower blocks. The upgraded facilities will cater for the continued growth of the Victoria University Western Spurs Women’s Football Club and long term tenants Parkside Football Club and Footscray Cricket Club. The Reserve has been home to the Spurs since 2015 and with the recent rise in popularity of women’s football, the club now boasts more than 160 players, quickly outgrowing the dated facilities.

Later this year, Henry Turner North Reserve will also be receiving a floodlighting upgrade with energy efficient LED fittings, to provide a safe environment to facilitate current female and junior sport participation and future growth. The floodlights, also funded in partnership with the Victorian Government, will meet relevant standards for community football training and night competition.

Other recent works at the Reserve include the installation of an electronic scoreboard in 2020.

A word from the Mayor, Cr Michael Clarke

“Sport, including football, is a big part of Maribyrnong’s culture and it is important we invest in projects such as this one that ensure all those who want to can enjoy the facilities and opportunity to participate.”

Maribyrnong News

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