Highlights of the plan, which is available to download here, include the creation of 420 "new and equivalent" full-size football pitches across the state, and to reach equal gender participation rates by 2027.

The plan, formed in conjunction with sports strategy organisation Gemba, comes in the light of 24% growth in football participation across the state last year. 

It's also in the wake of FFA's national campaign to increase government funding for football - figuring around a $500 million wishlist - after it was revealed that rugby and AFL receive vastly superior funding on a per-participant basis.

As with most states, FFV have previously complained that grassroots clubs are having to turn away potential footballers due to a lack of resources.

FFV's statement outlined five "pillars" the strategic plan aimed to tackle over the next three years:

  1. Enabling Victorian clubs to thrive while providing great experiences to ALL
     
  2. Expanding and improving facilities of ALL types and providing infrastructure to increase access, utilisation and sustainability
     
  3. Provide the best opportunities for ALL to access and enjoy programs, competitions and pathways
     
  4. Increase engagement and advocacy of football to change perceptions and promote positive outcomes
     
  5. Provide our people with continued opportunities to develop and be leaders for culture, high performance, social change.

Current FFV CEO and former head-honcho at Perth Glory, Peter Filopoulos, was bullish about football's future in the southern state. 

“It’s clear the game in Victoria is in great shape," he said.

"This new four-year strategic plan is designed to ensure that we build on this positive momentum and that, as stewards of the game in Victoria, we put in place the key initiatives that will sustain the game’s growth into the future."