Council off the sidelines

By Ed Merrison
KNOX City Council has signalled its intent to be ahead of the game in dealing with the growth of soccer.
The council announced on Wednesday, 8 March that it would be teaming up with Football Federation Victoria (FFV), the State Government and the municipalities of Whitehorse, Manningham, Boroondara, Monash and Maroondah to initiate an Eastern Region Soccer Strategy.
The strategy aims to ascertain the capacity of local councils and other stakeholders to meet demand for soccer.
It hopes to achieve this by understanding requirements for participation in soccer across the eastern region and the constraints preventing clubs from meeting the demand.
This will include reviewing the capacity of facilities to meet current and future needs.
A plan for the sustainable provision of soccer will then be prepared that considers competition, facility and administration opportunities while acknowledging the need to provide for other sports in an equitable manner.
The news comes at a time when soccer is booming, with a substantial uptake to the sport over recent years.
Player registrations with FFV increased by 32 per cent for competitive players from 2000 to 2004, and by 56 per cent rise in the junior ranks.
Boronia Senior Soccer Club president Chris Riley welcomed news of a greater focus on soccer, saying Boronia had seen ‘unbelievable growth’ in the past few years.
Mr Riley, who was vice-president of Boronia’s junior club until four seasons ago, said the juniors had gone from three or four teams 10 years ago to being in a position where it could field 16 to 20 sides.
“There is an increasing number of Australians actually playing the game now.
“I’ve definitely seen a difference, particularly in schools around the area.
“With the A League looking flash and the World Cup coming up, it should continue to grow. This can be nothing but a positive step for the council,” Mr Riley said.
But in order to ensure the development of a well-balanced soccer strategy, the council is turning to residents for their input.
Specifically, it is asking for feedback from all soccer clubs in the region through detailed surveys and discussion forums.
School students will be asked to fill in questionnaires and interviews will be conducted with community organisations, the State Government and key soccer providers.
Knox mayor David Cooper said it was important to understand the sports participation habits of residents in the eastern region.
“Information from all residents is welcomed through completing a brief questionnaire.
“Residents are requested to take the short amount of time it requires to complete the online survey or a copy available at Knox Council’s customer service offices.
“Such a coordinated approach to planning across municipal boundaries is unique and combined with the State Government’s and peak bodies’ involvement, is expected to achieve significant outcomes for the improvement of the sport,” he said.
Residents are asked to complete the online survey at http://www.footballfedvic .com.au/erss/survey.php or download a hard copy from www.knox.vic.gov.au and send it to Mark Stockton at Leisure Services, Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, Victoria 3152.
Surveys will be accepted until Monday, 27 March. Call Mark Stockton on 9298 8236 for further details.