Yarra City Council welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement today that it will contribute $200,000 to fund a new all-weather synthetic futsal court on the Atherton Reserve in Fitzroy.  

Atherton Reserve is Fitzroy’s largest open space and highly valued by the whole community. 

Fitzroy is one of Yarra’s fastest growing populations. The addition of a Futsal court will address the urgent demand for recreational spaces. Particularly for the 1,600 residents living in the housing estate near Atherton Reserve. 

Council has also allocated $100,000 towards the design of the futsal court in its draft Budget 2025/26. 

“This is a great investment in Yarra, especially for the many hundreds of young people who live near Atherton Reserve in the public housing estate,” said City of Yarra Mayor, Stephen Jolly. 

“We welcome this contribution by the Victorian Government to ensure active recreation options are available to everyone in our community.” 

The Hon Enver Erdogan, Member for Northern Metropolitan, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections and Minister for Youth Justice, spoke positively about how the new facility would provide for Fitzroy's growing community. 

"The population of inner Melbourne is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years, which is why the Victorian Government is ensuring that current and future residents of Fitzroy have access to a broad spectrum of sport and recreation options," said Minister Erdogan. 

Yarra Futsal Ballers President Phu Nguyen runs sporting programs for under-represented communities at Victorian Government housing estates in Yarra. He spoke positively about the impact the new facility will have for young people. 

“I grew up in Government housing in Richmond and have always found sport to be a great unifying force for our community,” Phu said. 

“I hope that this new futsal facility can bring together a new generation of young people in Yarra.”