Play sport, your way
The Activating Informal Sport in Victorian Communities project is helping create more opportunities for people to play, connect and be active in local community sporting spaces.
Led by CMSport in partnership with VicHealth, Cardinia Shire Council, Hume City Council and the City of Melbourne, the pilot is exploring how existing sporting spaces can be made more accessible and welcoming for informal sport outside of organised club activities.
From Monday 17 August 2026, selected sporting spaces across the three participating council areas will be available for free community access during designated times.
Where is the pilot happening?
The pilot is taking place at four locations across three Victorian councils
Cardinia Shire Council
City of Melbourne
Hume City Council
Get involved
Read through our Frequently Asked Questions and Rules of Engagement below, then simply come along during the advertised community access times. Bring your friends, family and sporting equipment.
There’s no registrations, no memberships, no competitions and no pressure.
You’ll also see QR codes at each participating location to share any feedback on your experience.
Your feedback will help participating councils, CMSport and VicHealth improve the pilot and inform future approaches to informal sport across Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Informal Sports pilot project
The Informal Sport Pilot is a partnership between VicHealth, CMSport and participating councils to encourage more people to use local sporting spaces for informal recreation and physical activity outside of organised club activities.
The project builds on research into informal sport as a health and social resource and is translating this evidence into practice by testing approaches with local councils and communities.
While the current pilot is taking place across Cardinia, Hume and Melbourne, the broader goal is to capture practical learnings that can support other Victorian councils to create more inclusive and accessible opportunities for informal sport.
Why informal sport
Its flexibility, low cost and lack of formal commitment can make it particularly valuable for multicultural communities and young people who may experience barriers to participating in traditional organised sport.
However, informal participants can also experience challenges accessing suitable spaces and facilities. This project is testing practical ways councils and communities can make sporting spaces more accessible, welcoming and inclusive.
Who can use these spaces?
Everyone is welcome. The pilot is designed to encourage people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy their local community sporting spaces.
Does it cost anything?
The advertised community access times, the facilities are free to use.
Do I need to register or book?
Simply come along during the advertised community access times and enjoy the space.
What equipment is provided?
Participants are encouraged to bring their own sporting equipment unless otherwise advertised by your local council.
When can I use the space?
Community access is available during the advertised informal sport times and only when the venue is not being used for organised club activities or scheduled maintenance. Please check your local council’s website for the latest information.
Can organised clubs or teams use the space during these times?
The informal sport sessions are intended for casual community use rather than organised training or competition. Clubs should continue to use their allocated booking arrangements through council.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Access may change due to wet weather, extreme heat, and ground maintenance or safety concerns. Please check your local council’s website or social media for updates.
Is the venue supervised?
These are self-directed community activities and there is no organised supervision or coaching provided.
Children should be supervised by a responsible adult where appropriate.
Who is responsible for safety?
Participants use the facilities at their own risk and should take reasonable care while using the space. Respect other users. Check the area before playing. Wear appropriate footwear and protective equipment where required. Report any hazards to your local council.
If there is an emergency, call 000.
Can I bring my family and friends?
Absolutely! Informal sport is a great way to spend time with family, friends and neighbours while being active together.
Can I bring my dog?
Please follow your local council’s park and reserve regulations regarding dogs, including leash requirements and restricted areas.
Why are there QR codes around the venue?
The QR codes link to a short survey that helps us understand how people are using the space. The survey takes less than 2 minutes to complete, and your feedback will help improve community spaces and shape future informal sport opportunities across Victoria.
Why is this project being delivered?
The pilot is exploring how councils can make better use of existing sporting spaces outside traditional club use, helping create more welcoming, inclusive and accessible opportunities for everyone to be active. The findings will help inform future planning and investment in informal sport across Victoria.
Who is delivering the project?
The Informal Sport Pilot is delivered by CMSport in partnership with VicHealth and participating councils:
- Cardinia Shire Council
- Hume City Council
- City of Melbourne
About CMSport
CMSport is part of the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY). For over 35 years, CMY has worked to ensure young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds have every opportunity to thrive.
CMSport works with the sport sector and multicultural communities to create more accessible, inclusive and culturally responsive sporting environments.
Rules of Engagement
Share the space
Everyone is encouraged to take part in a way that feels comfortable, respectful and enjoyable. Everyone belongs here. This space is for our community to enjoy.
- Be mindful of others waiting and take turns
- Keep games moving so more people can join in
- As a guide, limit play to around 60 minutes if others are waiting
Respect each other
- Treat everyone with respect, regardless of background, ability or experience
- No racism, discrimination, harassment or aggressive behaviour
- Keep language and behaviour inclusive and positive
Play safely
- Agree on rules together and keep play fair and friendly
- Wear appropriate sports footwear (no studs or cleats)
- Use equipment as intended (no hanging on rings or goals)
Leave it better
- Take your rubbish with you or use bins provided
- Respect the shared facilities
- Help keep the space clean and ready for the next group
Keep the space safe for all
- No smoking, alcohol or glass bottles
- Be mindful of others using the space around you
Be aware of shared access
- Some organised activities may be scheduled and take priority at times
- Please follow any guidance from council staff if the space needs to be shared or cleared
Use at your own risk
- Take care when using the space
- Keep personal belongings secure
Remember what this space is about
- Playing sport your way
- Meeting new people
- Connecting across cultures and communities
- Having fun and staying active
Simple reminder: Play fair. Share the space. Respect everyone.
Help us improve community spaces and create more opportunities for people to be active, connect and play. You can share your feedback via QR codes at participating venues.
Further questions?
For questions about the venue or community access times, please contact your local participating council.
You can find out more about the Informal Sports pilot project or other CMSport initiatives by emailing the CMSport Team.