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The future of Australian football in Victoria is bright, following the success of AFL Victoria’s Local Government Forum at Melbourne’s Punt Road Oval last week.

More than 90% of Victoria’s Local Councils, along with representatives from other key sporting organisations were in attendance to discuss future planning for the gameacross the State.

Created in 2013, the biennial event was designed to showcase the strategic direction of football in Victoria and acknowledge the important role that Local Government plays in the development and growth of AFL.

Hosted by sports commentator  and former Olympian Nicole Livingstone, representatives heard from key community football presenters about AFL Victoria’s range of programs, designed to increase and strengthen participation in every corner of the state.

AFL General Manager of Football Operations Simon Lethlean, Richmond Chief Executive Brendon Gale, AFL great Matthew Richardson and AFL Women’s stars Alicia Eva and Lauren Arnell were also in attendance to discuss the importance of the health of community football to the development of our game at the elite level.

The 2017 Local Government Forum also saw the launch of AFL Victoria’s 2017 - 2022 Strategic Plan and the 2017 - 2022 Football Facilities Development Strategy Growing the Heartland.

Outlining the direction of Australian football in Victoria for the next six years, the documents summarise AFL Victoria’s role in facility provision and identifies the key strategies to support football at all levels right across Victoria.

AFL Victoria Chief Executive Steven Reaper said that the Local Government Forum was integral to the future of Australian Football in the state.

Reaper explained “the Local Government Forum is a terrific opportunity for organisations to come together and share information and best practice regarding Australian Football as it relates to community development and local government service provision.

“Councils collectively invest millions of dollars into football annually in the development and maintenance of football facilities, so it is important to recognise the role of Local Government in developing and supporting Australian Football in Victoria.

“AFL Victoria and Councils own forecasting predict a need for nearly 100 new grounds in the next six years across Victoria, which will cater for the increased participation levels seen across Victoria.

“By discussing our strategic direction in a forum such as this, we believe it will enhance our collective understanding of each other’s needs and plans in the areas of participation and facilities for more than 410,000 participants in football.”

The 2017 Local Government Forum was made possible with the support of Richmond Football Club, Inside EDGE Sport & Leisure Planning, AFL Sports Ready and Musco Lighting.

Click here to access a copy of the 2017 - 2022 Strategic Plan and Football Facilities Development Strategy Growing the Heartland.

Main image of V/Line Cup action courtesy of AFL Victoria.

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