VICTORIA Park will undergo a multi-million dollar upgrade to transform the venue into a first-class centre for female football.
A refurbishment of the Sherrin Stand will provide elite facilities for both Collingwood's AFLW program and community levels of the women's game.
The upgrade, which is expected to be completed in September, has received $2million of funding from the Victorian Government and contributions from the AFL, the City of Yarra and Collingwood.
The project is part of a $45 million Victorian Government program to upgrade facilities for female footballers.
State-of-the-art change rooms and recovery facilities are replacing amenities that have not been meaningfully improved for almost 50 years.
Apart from new facilities, the redevelopment gives the Collingwood AFLW program a degree of autonomy and flexibility. Much of the AFLW training program can be based at the ground, strengthening the relationship with Victoria Park the club has maintained for more than a century.
"Elite players deserve elite facilities regardless of their gender and it’s great to see the progress being made in the transformation of these old rooms at this famous ground," Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said.
"This will help to drive the growth of the game and bring a new generation of supporters to Victoria Park."
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire thanked the Minister and the Victorian Government for its support for women's sport.
"I commend the Minister and the Government for their leadership, commitment and investment in sport for women in Victoria," McGuire said.
"I would also like to acknowledge the Yarra City Council for its foresight and contribution. Club and council have worked together since 1892 to ensure that Victoria Park remains a wonderful community asset.
"Collingwood seeks to be a leader in women's sport and we are tremendously proud to field teams in the AFLW and VFLW competitions.
"Victoria Park will always be our club's spiritual home and it’s exciting to have our AFLW side continue the black and white tradition at the venue in modern, state-of-the-art clubrooms."
