Sport
2 June, 2026
Jubilee Oval deemed unsafe for soccer
The Maryborough Soccer Club has been left scrambling to solve a sudden location conundrum after a Football Victoria assessment deemed their full-length pitch at Jubilee Oval unsafe to play.
After several visiting clubs raised concerns surrounding the pitch’s playing surface, particularly around the hardness of the Central Goldfields Shire Council’s installed cricket pitch cover, Football Victoria conducted a pitch inspection on Tuesday, May 19.
The assessment deemed the ground currently doesn’t meet the required playing standard, forcing the club’s under 14s, under 16s and senior teams to relocate matches away from home over the past two weeks.
While their under eight, under nine, under 11 and under 12 teams can continue to be played at Jubilee Oval after some modifications to pitch placement, the recent revelations are an abrupt blow for the club.
“Six rounds into the 2026 season, our club once again finds itself effectively homeless for a number of teams, with home games now spread across different venues,” the club said in a statement.
“This is incredibly disappointing for our players, volunteers, families and supporters who have worked tirelessly to continue building soccer in our region.
“Football Victoria’s immediate recommendation was the instal-lation of instant turf to the affected area. Unfortunately, this is not considered a financially viable option for either council or our club at this time.
“The only practical alternative available is to reseed the area, however this process is expected to take in excess of six weeks before the ground is considered suitable for play again.
“The club met with Football Victoria and council last week to discuss alternative local venues for our under 14s, under 16s and senior teams for the remainder of the 2026 season.
“We will continue working collaboratively with all parties to identify both temporary solutions and a long-term home for soccer in Maryborough.
“While we remain positive and committed to finding solutions, it is difficult not to feel as though we are taking one step forward and 10 steps back.
“Despite these challenges, our club remains focused on supporting our players and continuing the incredible growth of soccer within our community.”
Even as the blue and whites have grown from 32 players to 140 over the past three years despite a litany of facility issues, Maryborough’s decades-long advocacy efforts to secure a permanent home have remained unresolved.
The issue is particularly concerning for Ripon MP Martha Haylett, who earlier this year addressed State Parliament regarding the club’s need for “a permanent, fit-for-purpose home”.
“It is really disappointing to see the Maryborough Soccer Club have to find another oval this season for their under 14s, 16s, and senior players,” she said.
“Soccer has exploded as a sport locally and more kids than ever are getting involved. It’s important they have facilities they can be proud of.
“Their oval and change rooms need a lot of work. They deserve more fit-for-purpose facilities and I am committed to working with them to make this a reality.”
A spokesperson for the Central Goldfields Shire Council said they will work alongside the Mary-borough Soccer Club and Football Victoria to solve the safety concerns surrounding Jubilee Oval.
“Council recently invested in a new cricket wicket cover at Jubilee Oval to support long-term shared use of the ground,” the spokesperson said.
“The cover is designed to help maintain a high-quality playing surface for soccer throughout winter, while ensuring the cricket wicket remains protected for the summer season.
“Due to the grass surrounding the new cover not taking due to the cold weather, the surface surrounding the wicket is hard and Football Victoria has deemed the area unsafe for play.
“Whilst we work to get the surface up to standard, we are collaborating with Maryborough Soccer Club and Football Victoria to ensure soccer can continue to be played in Maryborough.
“Council, the Maryborough Soccer Club and Football Victoria will re-convene in mid-July to assess the condition of the ground and determine whether further rest is required or whether play can safely resume at Jubilee Oval.”