Alamein FC and Ashburton United Soccer Club have secured $660,000 in federal and local funding to upgrade Dorothy Laver West Reserve, a key football ground for women and girls in the eastern suburbs.

The project that will feature a new electronic scoreboard (already fully funded by Bendigo Bank Ashburton), shaded seating, a video streaming platform, improved wheelchair access, safety upgrades and fencing enhancements.

Dorothy Laver West Reserve has been home to women’s football since 2018, shared by both clubs.

Dr Carina Garland MP and Senator Penny Wong were both present for the announcement on Thursday night.

“I’ve always believed that we should have in parliament representation that reflects the community,” Wong said.

She added that she sees the importance of gender equality in sport too.

“It says something about us as a community if we’re able to ensure that our daughters get the same sorts of opportunities as our sons.”

The funding will support more than 450 local female players, many of whom are from culturally diverse backgrounds, including Greek.

Helping lead the project are the presidents of both clubs, Kathy Stamatopoulos (Alamein FC) and Briana Kotzapavlidis (Ashburton United SC).

“This grant is not just an investment in turf or scoreboards, it’s an investment in women and girls. It’s an acknowledgement that their sport matters. That they matter,” Stamatopoulos told Neos Kosmos.

“At Alamein FC, we’ve always believed that football is more than a game. It’s a pathway to confidence, resilience, leadership and belonging.

And when young women feel that their community believes in them enough to invest in where they train, where they play, and where they gather, that belief stays with them for life.”

She said that the funding means so much to not only the club, but herself personally.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories are of going with my father to watch soccer. It was our shared passion, and the start of a lifelong love for the game.”

“Years later, I experienced that same joy again watching my own daughter grow through football, from her first kicks to competing at the elite level.

“Football has been a constant across generations in my family, and I know that’s true for so many in our community. That’s why this project means so much.”

Stamatopoulos has been a driving force behind Alamein’s growth as one of Victoria’s only all-female National Premier League football clubs.

“This is also a proud moment for me as a Greek-Australian woman,” she added.

“The Greek community has a deep and rich history in Victorian football. Many of our great clubs were founded and nurtured by migrants — passionate, hard-working people who found meaning and connection through the beautiful game.

“I feel honoured to carry forward that legacy as the President of one of the few all-female NPL clubs in Victoria. And I feel an enormous responsibility to continue creating a space where our daughters — and their daughters — feel empowered, respected and supported in every aspect of the game.

The grant will mean better infrastructure across the board, from grassroots to the elite, and off the field, allowing more girls to stay in the sport and potentially step into leadership positions.

“Together, we’re not just building a better facility — we’re building a stronger, more equitable future for women in sport.”
Kotzapavlidis told Neos Kosmos the funding is deeply meaningful and that her club is proud to be part of this alongside Alamein, committing to the growth of women’s football.

“This funding is a milestone not only for our two clubs but for the entire community,” she said.

“At Ashburton United SC, we believe sport is one of the most powerful tools we have foster confidence, connection and opportunity for young people, especially girls.

“It sends a strong message: that women and girls deserve equitable access to grounds, facilities and resources that will support them to achieve their goals.”

Ashburton is also a club where women are leading from the front — on field and off.

“Sport is a vital part of our community, and empowering women in this space strengthens us all,” Kotzapavlidis said.

“This funding means our girls will have a home that reflects their value. It will improve our capacity to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where we can gather together and strengthen our connection as one community.”