The growth of rugby league in Victoria received another boost with the official opening of the new State Rugby League and Community Centre in Broadmeadows last weekend.
Supported with funding from the Victorian Government, Hume City Council, NRL and Melbourne Storm, the new facility at Seabrook Reserve will be the home of NRL Victoria, Touch Football Victoria and local rugby league club, the Northern Thunder.
The new facility was officially opened by the Victorian Government Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, and features three pitches, a pavilion with female friendly change rooms, a half pitch for touch football, high performance training facilities, medical facilities, match day amenities, a kitchen, and meeting and administration rooms, including space for community groups to meet.
“Victoria is the sporting capital of Australia and this new home for rugby league will help foster the next generation of sporting superstars, while growing the game for the entire community.” Minister Dimopoulos said.
Storm held an open training session at Seabrook Reserve prior to celebrate the opening, prior to heading to Brisbane for their Magic Round win over the Parramatta Eels.
CEO, Justin Rodski, said the new facility is a game-changer for rugby league in Victoria.
“This is a great day for rugby league in Victoria,” Rodski said at the opening.
“The continued growth of rugby league locally and introduction of new Melbourne Storm pathways programs for female and male players is exciting for the game in Victoria. With the support of the Victorian Government and Hume City Council, we hope to see more local players wearing the Storm jersey in years to come.”
The Hume and surrounding regions have been a productive breeding ground for Storm over the years, with Young Tonumaipea, Sua Fa’alogo and Dean Ieremia all being developed through the local competitions. The region also makes up 14% of Storm’s membership base with a large number of fans living in Hume and surrounding suburbs.
Hume City Council Mayor, Naim Kurt, joined future touch football and rugby league stars at the launch.
“Alongside elite football, cricket, AFL and tennis facilities under construction, this development will set a new standard for women’s sport and Rugby League development in Hume, while also being a win for the community.” Cr Kurt said.
