The club is one of seven users of the reserve. Others include a cricket club, dog obedience clubs and a community garden, groups that combined have just under 1000 members.

JL Murphy Reserve is the largest council-managed reserve in Port Phillip. The council’s master plan aims to guide the reserve’s sustainable development to cope with Port Melbourne’s expected population growth, leading to a predicted 1500 reserve users by 2031.

The plan includes the development of a wetland and stormwater harvesting system to reduce reliance on drinking water; soil remediation; new sports infrastructure such as synthetic turf, pavilion upgrades and sports grounds lighting; a new soccer pitch; walking tracks; a tree removal and replacement program; bike lanes and angle parking across Williamstown Road, among other improvements.

However, Port Melbourne Soccer Club president Nicki Zapantis said the changes would halve the club’s training space, which is also used for goalkeeper training.

The club currently has two soccer pitches and a 22-metre training space, but the council intends to take half that space for a walking track.

The 11-metre distance was negotiated down in last week’s council meeting from an initial 14 metres.

Ms Zapantis said the club could not train on the pitches as that space was used for matches. She also said the soccer pitch the council planned to build was for wider community use and that she would need to book and pay for it rather than receiving free access.

The new pitch was unsuitable for training sessions as it did not have lights – essential for soccer as it is a winter sport.

“It is about reclaiming land and giving it back to the community – which I understand – but couldn’t they have one less walking track?” Ms Zapantis said.

“With 11 metres, to be honest, it’s going to be a really tight fit.”

Councillor Janet Bolitho said the decision to allow the soccer club an 11-metre space was “as far as we can go” without infringing on other plans and other club pitches.

The council recognised the club had limited space and was now turning prospective members away.