THIS year was another big year for the World Game locally, highlighted by the third consecutive growth period which surpassed both the official state and the national figures. Although the actual growth was not as dramatic as in 2015 (18%) or even 2016 (9%), with a growth rate of just a tad over 3.5%, this year saw almost 4,000 players registered to participate in FFV sanctioned outdoor football competitions.

Throw in more than 2,000 registered Futsal players and coupled with the anticipated increase yet again in 2018 – fuelled largely by the massive interest in female football as well as the likely increase from two U12 Boys’ divisions to an unprecedented three and possibly four leagues – next year could see close to 7,000 Geelong players of all genders, ages and levels participating in some form of the round ball code!

With so much excitement and anticipation awaiting us next year, FFV Geelong and Geelong Region Football Committee (GRFC) will be taking a well deserved break in order to recharge our batteries ahead of the big assault on player participation growth in 2018!

Our offices will be closed from Friday the 22^nd of December and will re-open on Monday 8th January, 2018, when we will be gearing up for what is expected to be a MASSIVE 2018!

From all of us here at FFV Geelong, we would like to wish all the clubs, officials, players and supporters of the Geelong Region Football Committee (GRFC) and the wider football fraternity here in Geelong, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!