Client
Football Victoria
Total Capacity
800 Capacity Grandstand
Disciplines
Collections
This purpose-built venue serves not only as the home for the Australian women’s soccer team, but also as the permanent home for Football Victoria’s representative teams, catering to both men and women of all ages. The project, the largest football-specific infrastructure development in Australia, is a collaboration supported by the Victorian and Federal Governments.
The new facility offers a world-class environment designed to support the elite training needs of the CommBank Matilda’s. It is also a vital asset for the entire Victorian football community, providing year-round access to training and match facilities for players of all levels.
Strategically situated within the La Trobe University Sports Park, the facility brings together football, education, and community engagement, creating a “Football for All” venue. This transformative infrastructure is part of Football Victoria’s vision to achieve gender equity in football by 2027, creating an inclusive, equal opportunity space for both male and female athletes.
To have a facility like this, for females, the next generation and for us the Matilda's, It’s absolutely incredible
Populous, as the Principal Design Consultant, spearheaded the design of the facility with a focus on creating a centralised, gender-neutral, and flexible venue that accommodates athletes, officials, and the wider community. The design is based on universal principles of accessibility, with spaces that cater to players ranging from young juniors to elite athletes. The facility offers equitable access for all genders, providing a space where women’s teams do not require separate, stand-alone facilities. This innovative approach makes the facility more efficient, cost-effective, and long-lasting. The flexible design is scalable to host everything from local tournaments to major international events.
The design also prioritises the connection between football operations and administrative functions. For the first time, Football Victoria’s administration will be integrated within the same precinct as the sporting activities, fostering closer collaboration across all levels of the organisation. The facility’s medical and rehabilitation areas are centrally located, ensuring convenient access and privacy for players of all ages. The open-plan office design promotes a positive, non-hierarchical work environment for staff, reinforcing the facility’s inclusive and forward-thinking culture.
The Home of the Matilda’s impact extends beyond the elite football team, offering a legacy facility that benefits all of Victoria’s football community. With over 80% of the project dedicated to community-accessible spaces, the venue provides aspiring footballers with the opportunity to train in a world-class environment. The complex is equipped with five training fields, two community pavilions, and eight gender-neutral change rooms designed for flexibility and inclusivity.
Ultimately, this facility sets a new benchmark for female-focused sporting infrastructure in Australia and the Asia Pacific region, contributing significantly to gender equity in sport. The Home of the Matilda’s will serve as a symbol of progress, offering an equal playing field for female athletes, officials, and fans alike, while fostering a deep sense of pride and connection to Australia’s top women’s football team.
The facility is more than just a training ground—it’s a living testament to the future of Australian football, providing the resources, space, and opportunities for both current and future generations of players to reach their full potential.
The Home of the Matilda's offers an equal playing field for females in sport, while fostering a deep sense of connection to Australia’s best women’s team
The architecture of the Home of the Matildas is designed to create a modern, flexible, and gender-neutral space. It blends elite sporting requirements with community accessibility, offering scalable venues for events and training. The structure prioritises universal design principles, ensuring seamless functionality for athletes, staff, and spectators.
The interior design focuses on creating a cohesive, inclusive environment that supports athletes and staff. Open-plan offices encourage collaboration, while the medical and rehabilitation areas provide privacy and comfort. Gender-neutral spaces, such as change rooms, reflect the facility’s commitment to equality, ensuring accessibility and usability for all ages and genders.
Wayfinding at the Home of the Matildas is carefully integrated to ensure clear, intuitive navigation for visitors, athletes, and staff. Signage and directional elements are strategically placed to promote accessibility, with easy-to-understand layouts guiding individuals through the facility. The design supports both functional use and a welcoming atmosphere.
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The Home of the Matildas
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