Melbourne City joined with Football Victoria and Melbourne Victory at Parliament House this week for the Festival of Football, highlighting the powerful role the game plays in communities across the state.
The event brought together professional clubs, community clubs and MPs to showcase the impact football has across Victoria, while advocating for improved facilities to support the continued growth of the game.
With participation in football continuing to surge across the state, the gathering provided an important opportunity for the football community to come together with government representatives and discuss the need for better infrastructure, pitches and facilities for grassroots clubs. Football participation has grown significantly in recent years, placing increasing demand on community venues and resources across Victoria.
Representing Melbourne City at the event was A-League star Andrew Nabbout, who spoke about the importance of community clubs in shaping young players and fostering a lifelong love of the game.
“Coming through the ranks as a junior, community clubs are so important to put the right environments around players to help build friendships and the love of the game,” Nabbout said.
“With football being comfortably the most participated sport in the country, it’s extremely important that we continue to invest and grow the game.
“At Melbourne City, we’re extremely lucky to have amazing facilities and the support of the City of Casey, but the more we can invest and make this the case across Victoria, the better it will be for the future of football in this state.”
Melbourne City also highlighted the work delivered through City in the Community, the Club’s community program which engages with schools and young people across Melbourne.
CitC staff member Nihaal reflected on the experience of representing the program in Parliament and sharing the impact football can have on young people.
“Through our work in schools and communities every day, we see the power football has to build and connect young people,” he said.
“As someone who started in the Young Leaders program and now delivers City in the Community programs, I can confidently speak to the incredible impact the program has had on my life.
“Coming together with Football Victoria and Melbourne Victory to highlight our work in Parliament was an amazing experience. I think the MPs enjoyed having a kick and learning more about the impact the game is having across Victoria.”
The event also highlighted the importance of continued investment in football infrastructure across the state. In 2025, Melbourne City secured $10.68 million from the Federal Government to deliver a new mini stadium at Casey Fields, further strengthening the Club’s commitment to supporting football development in Victoria.
With clubs, governing bodies and government representatives all in attendance, the Festival of Football served as a strong reminder of how the game can bring people together and continue to create positive change across communities.
