Football Returns to Iconic City LandmarkTuesday, May 17, 2022 - 12:07 PM - by Mark Readings

AMID the hustle and bustle of the Perth CBD, Wellington Square has been transformed to host a significant football initiative. 

The East Perth District will run school football programs in partnership with St George's Anglican Grammar School, taking advantage of a $17.5 million upgrade by the City of Perth over the past 12 months. 

It’s a little-known fact that in the 1900s Wellington Square/Moort-ak Waadiny was the home for the East Perth Football Club and West Australian Football League matches were played there.  

More than a century later, the newly constructed Wellington Square is a central hub for residents and visitors, with new amenities including event spaces for medium to large scale activities and a multi-use sporting field. 

East Perth District Development Officer Zac Binning is delighted the site is again part of WA football. 

“We’re thrilled to return to Wellington Square to deliver Football Programs this year," Binning said.

"St George’s Anglican Grammar School is a high priority school for football engagement, so we’re hopeful of transitioning these kids to our local junior football clubs."  

The West Australian Football Commission and East Perth Football Club were part of an initial Working Group, which was formed in 2016 to help establish the site’s masterplan.  

The result was the creation of a senior sized AFL football ground in the heart of the Perth CBD and Royals District.  

Metro Central Community and Club Development Manager Corey Ranger is confident more football will take place on the site. 

“Wellington Square is a football asset for the East Perth District and Metro Central, and we can’t wait to stage higher profile community football events and programs here in the CBD," Ranger said. 

"Partnerships with St George's Anglican Grammar School, along with our other CBD Schools within the District ensures that football remains the sport of choice for thousands of inner-city students." 

Wellington Square represents cultural and spiritual significance, linking the past and the present, where Whadjuk Nyoongar people met, raised families, hunted, and performed ceremonies.  

Both the park and playground have received dual names in recognition of Wellington Square’s significance to many members of the Aboriginal community, and out of respect for the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land.