Melbourne Victory Football Club and Maribyrnong Swifts Football Club today formalised their partnership which will see improvement in facilities for female football players in Melbourne’s west.

Melbourne Victory will support the all-female football club by extending permanent training and playing opportunities at the proposed new Melbourne Victory Academy and Community Facility.

As well as access to the facility for training and matches, the partnership also includes Victory and the Swifts working closely together in a professional coaching and mentoring program to develop and improve the pathway for female players and coaches of today and the future.

The Melbourne Victory Academy and Community Facility includes three flood-lit playing fields, six female and male change rooms and undercover viewing areas for 500 spectators. It will be also be available for local schools and community groups.

The project, which has the financial backing of the State Government, is part of the Footscray Park Masterplan currently being considered by the Maribyrnong City Council.

Maribyrnong Swifts Football Club was established in 2010 and is the sole female-only football club in Melbourne’s west. The club has grown rapidly and currently struggles to accommodate it’s 130 registered players.

Melbourne Victory’s Chief Executive Officer Trent Jacobs believes the partnership is an integral part of the club’s commitment to the development of football in the community, particularly in the west.

“We look forward to extending our relationship with the Swifts and helping develop the current and future generations of female footballers,” said Jacobs.

Maribyrnong Swifts’ Vice President, Diana Drury believes access to the facility is a true game changer for her club.

“The Maribyrnong Swifts Football Club is thrilled to partner with Melbourne Victory,” said Drury.

“This is an exciting opportunity for girls to rub shoulders with inspiring female role models, all in our own backyard.

“Our club is focused on providing a sporting environment where women and girls feel empowered to develop as football players – however it's hard to excel when you’re running around on a dimly lit, overcrowded pitch.

“The facilities we gain access to through this partnership with Victory are a game changer.”