North Melbourne's multi-purpose sports pitch wins award

The Disability and Sport Recreation Awards recognise the achievements of people with a disability, those who support them and the state's best inclusive sport and recreation centres.

People City portfolio Chair Councillor Beverley Pinder said this award is a significant step forward in the City of Melbourne's objective to be an inclusive and accessible city for all of its residents.

"This is Australia's first blind soccer pitch and we hope this pitch is a catalyst for more inclusive amenities across recreation centres in Australia," said Cr Pinder.

"The new pitch is a meaningful way that we can provide access to people who are visually impaired and an important step in making sure Melbourne's sports facilities are accessible to everyone."

The blind soccer pitch was just one component from the City of Melbourne's recent $1.5 million landscape improvement works at the North Melbourne Recreation Reserve, and was officially opened  in March 2018.

At present, the soccer pitch hosts regular sessions each week for people with vision-impairment, with future training and competition schedules being developed for blind soccer.   

Richard Amon, CEO of Disability Sport & Recreation, said he was delighted to see North Melbourne Recreation Reserve offering exemplary facilities that the state can be proud of.

"The North Melbourne Recreation Reserve's approach to inclusivity and making sport and recreation a better place for everyone sets the bar for Victoria," said Mr Amon.

"The awards represent the strength of human spirit and a genuine desire to help and support others to achieve their goals and Council's efforts to create an inclusive and accessible environment at North Melbourne Recreation Reserve for all is a great example of this spirit."

The multi-purpose sports pitch also hosts basketball, futsal and netball and has been built alongside a new community picnic area and public exercise equipment.

North Melbourne Recreation Reserve's multi-purpose courts are open for public use as a shared community space. 

Find out more about North Melbourne Recreation Reserve's blind soccer pitch.