Ash Bolt
The Barwon Soccer Club has unveiled its new gender neutral change rooms as part of a push to make the club more accessible for the community.
The opening of the two new change rooms completes the Barwon Soccer Club Pavilion Project, which started 10 years ago with the delivery of two change rooms, a referee’s room, function space and kitchen.
The project was jointly funded by the city, state government and the club.
The city provided $407,000 to the upgrade, with the state government adding $150,000 through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s World Game Facilities Fund and the club contributing $24,000.
The new change rooms will cater for a surge in women and girls taking up the sport as the club aims to grow its membership.
Storage areas and new pathways in and around the facility are set to improve accessibility for the club’s 32 teams, along with volunteers and spectators of all ages, who use and visit the club.
Barwon Soccer Club president Colin Drain said the project was vital in accommodating the growth of the club.
“Having an extra set of clubrooms will be critical in providing for our club’s expansion, particularly during these socially-distanced times,” Mr Drain said.
“While the new facility will be vital for all age levels, it’s particularly important in giving our women’s teams their own space and some comfort.
“We’re also going to benefit from the demolition of the old storage space and the new development to match our growth.”
City sport portfolio chairman Ron Nelson said the council was pleased to support a project promoting inclusivity.
“Council was delighted to support this project because we strongly believe sport and volunteering benefits mental and physical health, and strengthens social ties and resilience,” Cr Nelson said.
“Women’s sport has really exploded in Greater Geelong, and we need to have the facilities to accommodate this.
“The changerooms will also help in recruiting more quality talent to the side in what is a very competitive local environment.”
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman also welcomed the development and said that for too long clubs like Barwon Soccer Club have been hamstrung by outdated facilities.
“The new change room provides a real incentive for Barwon Soccer Club to ramp up training and development, and for local women, men, boys and girls to join in the fun,” Mr Cheeseman said.
“Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back to local sport and recreation when it is safe to do so and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”
