Aligned Leisure manages a network of 18 indoor courts across 9 venues on behalf of Manningham Council, that support more than 528,000 visits and 50 user groups each year. As participation in indoor sport continues to grow, demand for court space, particularly during peak periods, often exceeds available capacity.
To support a fair, transparent and consistent approach to allocating indoor court space, the Indoor Court Allocation Guidelines have been developed. The Guidelines are intended to help user groups understand how allocation decisions are made and the range of factors considered when requests for court space exceed availability. The 2027 allocation process will be the first year the Guidelines are applied, and they will be implemented on a trial basis. This trial will provide an opportunity for Council, Aligned Leisure and user groups to evaluate their effectiveness in supporting equitable access to indoor court space and identify any refinements that may be required.
The EOI documentation includes a series of templates that must be completed by organisations seeking court space for 2027. These templates will assist Aligned Leisure in assessing requests and allocating court space across the stadium network.
Where demand exceeds available court space, applications will be assessed against a range of factors, including:
- community benefit and local participation outcomes
- demonstrated need and demand
- participation opportunities for underrepresented groups
- efficient and effective use of facilities
- previous usage patterns
- alignment with the primary purpose of the venue.
These factors will be considered holistically to support equitable access across the indoor stadium network. Priority will be given to applications that best align with the allocation considerations. Where a request cannot be fully accommodated, alternative venues, times or court allocations within the network will be considered wherever possible.
All clubs and user groups seeking regular indoor court allocations during 2027 are required to complete both components of the application process outlined below.
1. Complete the Online EOI Form
The online EOI form captures the information required to assess your organisation’s eligibility, program, participation, community benefit, facility requirements and strategic alignment.
2. Complete the Booking Allocation Request Excel
In addition to the online EOI, you are required to complete the 2027 Booking Allocation Request Excel spreadsheet.
The Excel spreadsheet is used to capture your specific court booking requirements, including:
- Preferred facility/s
- Preferred days and times
- Number of courts required
- Activity/program
- Expected participation
- Frequency (Seasonal & School holiday requirements)
- Alternative facility preferences.
Please ensure that the information provided in the online EOI (and the Excel Booking Allocation Request) is consistent and reflects your organisation’s requirements for the full 2027 allocation period. Contact our bookings coordinator If you do not have the Excel Booking Allocation Sheet ([email protected]).
Important – Preferred and Alternative Options
Where possible, we strongly encourage user groups to provide alternative days, times and/or facilities.
Alternative options will assist the allocation team when working through competing requests and identified clashes and may provide greater opportunity to accommodate your organisation’s needs.
EOI Closing Date
Monday 12 October 2026
All online EOI submissions and completed Booking Allocation Request Excel spreadsheets must be submitted by the closing date.
What happens after submissions close?
Following the EOI closing date, applications will be assessed against the guiding principles and allocation considerations, including strategic alignment, community benefit, participation, demonstrated demand, facility suitability, operational requirements and available court capacity.
Where competing requests or clashes are identified, a detailed allocation process will then be undertaken. This may include discussions with affected user groups and adjustments to the initial working allocations to achieve the best overall use of available court space.
The first-round allocation offers are currently scheduled to be communicated from Monday 23 November 2026.
Thank you for your participation in the process and for providing the information required to support a fair, transparent and effective allocation of Manningham’s indoor court facilities for 2027.
If your club/organisation are needing assistance with filling the EOI form or Booking Allocation Request spreadsheet, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.
