A non-profit Melton soccer club of about 300 members is searching for a permanent ground as a “strong requirement” for its players.
Established in 2023, Young Football Club Melton is a not-for-profit youth soccer club that involves more than 20 volunteer coaches and team managers.
The 300 players include children and young adults who are split into training sessions at Melton Secondary College on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, and the club hires another ground in Tarneit for Wednesday evenings.
Club operations manager Kevin Gujral said the number of young people wanting to try soccer through the club is increasing, with growth in the under-7, under-9, and under-111 development pathways.
“We are restricted to Thursday, Saturday, Sunday use [of the facilities] only. By having a permanent ground, we have access to seven days. We don’t have any changing rooms – especially when there are female players involved … and lack of … storage, which is creating logistical and safety challenges,” Mr Gujral said.
“We have to get all our goals and football equipment … carried in parents’ vans and cars before the start of the game and end.”
He said a permanent ground would also allow the club to compete in regular league matches, with the club only taking part in community tournaments so far.
Mr Gujral said the reason the club chose Melton as its base is due to the municipality’s rapidly increasing population growth.
He said that if the club had a permanent ground, it could also host a ‘Melton Cup’ involving more than 30 clubs and 4000 attendees.
He said the club has raised the issue with Melton council, Melton MP Steve McGhie, and Hawke MP Sam Rae, with these politicians attending training sessions and expressing support for the club.
“We are open to any grants in Melton … available, and we are happy to change our club name to suit the requirement of a local grant, for example,” Mr Gujral said.
