Heidelberg United Football Club received some great news this week, receiving $2 million in funding from the state government to help transform Olympic Park.

The historic announcement, which is part of the biggest investment to be made in Victoria into women’s and community sport, was made on Tuesday by Minister for Sport John Eren and State Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines.

“After a lot of hard work, we have come to a successful agreement. The transformation of Olympic Village to an ultramodern stadium will be a big win for the Greek community, and both the local and wider football community of Victoria. But above all, it is a win for Heidelberg and the members who have persevered to elevate this club to where it is today,” club President Steve Tsalikidis told Neos Kosmos.

The upgrade will ensure the club has the chance to train all-year round with new sports fields, lighting and a synthetic pitch.

Meanwhile the wider community will also benefit from the upgrade, which will include recreational facilities such as playgrounds, shared paths, fitness circuits and an Aboriginal spiritual walk and gathering place.

Formerly a training base for the 1956 Olympic Games, the project is part of a master plan developed by Banyule City Council, which is also funding the project with $3.1 million in funding, in addition to the $500,000 donation from the Soltilo Soccer School.

“This historic ground has brought people together for decades – now we’re proud to deliver the work it needs to make these clubs more competitive and successful,” said Mr Eren.

With participation in football across the state on the rise, in a bid to boost numbers even further the Labor government is setting out to improve local facilities and to encourage more locals to play with a new $2.5 million The World Game Facilities Fund.

Clubs and organisations can apply for support to deliver projects such as new lighting, pitch upgrades and building female-friendly change rooms.