The Andrews Labor Government is investing in new courts, sports fields and upgrading existing community sporting grounds so more Victorians can get back to the local sports they love.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 is providing $88 million to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure and programs to boost participation in local sports clubs and organisations.

The popular Local Sports Infrastructure Fund will continue, delivering critical upgrades to pitches, ovals and pavilions in partnership with local councils and sporting organisations.

It will also have a focus on female friendly change rooms and facilities to encourage more women and girls to get involved in local sport.

This will create hundreds of jobs across a range of professions including designers, architects, engineers, builders, and maintenance staff.

Regional Victorians will also score more goals with continued investment in the Country Football and Netball Program.

This longstanding program has invested more than $34 million into 550 football and netball projects across the state in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.

More than $1.3 million will support more than 2,000 young people to find work in the sport and recreation sector by subsidising their accreditation – making it easier to get into the industry.

These investments create jobs, boost local economies, level the playing field and help community sport organisations grow participation – while also encouraging Victorians to get active and stay healthy.

The Budget takes the Government’s investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure to more than $1.2 billion since 2014.