Melbourne Victory will build a $35million state-of-the-art training campus in Beveridge as part of their “ambitious” academy infrastructure strategy announced earlier this week.
The first of four locations has been unveiled by the A-Leagues outfit, who have entered into an in-principle agreement with Mitchell Shire Council for the development and operation of a state-of-the-art facility and open space reserve to support the club’s women’s and Academy programs and to be known as “Melbourne Victory’s Northern Campus”.
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Purpose built for Victory and to be managed by the club, it will feature three full-sized football pitches (including a show pitch for matches), together with four synthetic small-sided pitches and a new home, as well as an elite gym, change room and recovery facilities.
The Northern Campus will be part of a multi-sports hub operated by Victory, that will also create a community football program, alongside the club’s pathways and elite programs.
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“The club was thrilled to join with Mitchell Shire for such an important milestone to kick off the club’s infrastructure project, and with a strong member base in the North, opening our first site in that growth corridor was an easy decision,” said Victory chairman John Dovaston.
The “ambitious” plan will focus on providing the community with access to elite player pathways across the state and long sought after infrastructure facilities.
As a “custodian of the global game”, Victory’s strategy is focused on providing accessible campuses to both Victory’s elite Women’s program and their six Academy teams, “with a firm eye on maximising the development of the next generation of A-League Women’s and Men’s players, as well as national team members.”
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The multi-campus approach will see all campuses positioned less than an hour’s travel time from Victory’s administrative headquarters and the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s training facility at Gosch’s Paddock in Melbourne.
State-of-the-art facilities will be constructed across a number of Victorian locations as the A-Leagues club seek to foster elite talent and provide accessibility to both the team and to as many local communities as possible.
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Victory managing director Caroline Carnegie added: “The Northern Campus will be the first campus for the club and will help elevate our Women’s and Academy programs while also fostering the growth of football for all Victorians and providing connection to a new community, as part of building fandom for the club.”
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said: “This is a fantastic development for an area where Council is working hard to provide the services and infrastructure.
“We’re always advocating to bring assets to the region that will enhance the lives of our communities and help to prepare them for the growth the area is experiencing.
“Sport is incredibly important part of life in Mitchell Shire. Which is why it is fantastic to be involved with Melbourne Victory who will provide a high-performance sport presence that will enhance community engagement and pride, bring economic development to the region and promote healthy lifestyles.”
