The operating body is seeking a site for a government-funded $60-to-$80 million facility to act as the national women’s team’s home base — and Greater Shepparton City Council wants in.
The state-of-the-art facility would host Matildas’ training camps and elite pathway programs, while also becoming its administrative headquarters — with a stadium seating up to 5000 patrons to be the crown jewel.
It would also play host to other national and representative teams, with coaching and development programs to be run out of it as well.
Shepparton has been joined by Brimbank, Casey, Darebin, Maribyrnong and Maroondah in formally expressing interest to become the base, along with La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus.
The establishment of a Matildas base in Victoria is formally backed by Football Federation Australia, after Daniel Andrews’ Labor Government committed $200000 to fund a feasibility study into building the ‘‘Home of Football for the Westfield Matildas’’.
A council statement said if chosen after the study, housing the Matildas would do wonders for the region.
‘‘Greater Shepparton is known as a regional sporting capital and therefore council would be keen to work with interested parties to facilitate any investment with government and Football Victoria to help grow our economy, boost visitation and create more local jobs,’’ it read.
‘‘Any further developments (to the Shepparton Sports City) including (becoming the) potential home of the Westfield Matildas would only enhance the region’s reputation as a leader in women’s sport and football.
‘‘Co-locating multiple state-of-the-art sporting facilities in the one precinct would only strengthen Shepparton as a sporting mecca in regional Australia.’’
The recently developed Sports City had $11 million spent on McEwen Reserve, while proposals are in the works to redevelop Shepparton Sports Stadium and build the Munarra Centre of Excellence.
From the expression of interest process, Football Victoria will select a shortlist of potential partners.
Football Victoria president Kimon Taliadoros said the base would be a monumental mark for women’s sport in the country.
‘‘It’s an exciting initiative for the women’s game in Australia and would serve to inspire generations of female footballers who dream of following in the steps of their heroes,’’ Taliadoros said.
‘‘Certainly, a dedicated facility would go a long way towards helping Victorian football meet our stated objective of 50-50 gender participation by 2027.’’
FFA chairman Chris Nikou said Victoria was a natural choice to house one of the nation’s most talented representative outfits.
‘‘Victoria has embraced the opportunity and is taking the lead when it comes to bringing together the key stakeholders who can bring the concept to life,’’ Nikou said.
‘‘FFA is committed to making it happen and we’re working closely with the team at Football Victoria to secure government support for the proposal.’’
FV said the facility would play host to an Emerging Matildas program creating a strong pathway for Victorian girls wanting to play for Australia.
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