AUSKICK kids have been booted from Simonds Stadium to save its turf surface.
Geelong’s council has also put the ground off limits for a Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) match previously scheduled for this weekend.
Both events are now seeking new venues as council deals with the effects of wet weather on the ground.
City Hall’s Paul Jane said council wanted to avoid “significant turf replacement” from any further damage.
Council had “exercised a clause” in its AFL Victoria contract to move the VCFL game and was “working closely” with Auskick organisers to provide the kids with “alternative stadium experiences”, Mr Jane said.
All parties had “approached the situation in a positive and proactive manner”.
Mr Jane said ever-increasing footy activities at the stadium were its “greatest challenge”.
“It is the only elite venue of National and International standard in Victoria to host the myriad events and activities that it does, ranging from community football finals to international soccer matches.”
Mr Jane said City Hall was committed to delivering “exceptional quality” at the stadium while ensuring “limited impacts” on AFL and VFL matches from other uses.
