Federal election funding pledge moves $26 million Gepps Cross soccer hub closer to reality
A NEW $26 million soccer hub at Gepps Cross may have moved a step closer to reality following a federal election pledge. But the $7.4 commitment to fund the completion of the centre has not been backed by both sides of politics.
Local Soccer SA
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Soccer SA. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A new $26 million soccer hub at Gepps Cross may have moved a step closer to reality following a federal election pledge.
Labor on Monday promised $7.4 million towards completing the State Centre of Football should it win next month’s federal election.
But in response, the Coalition government would not commit to making up the funding shortfall should it remain in power following the May 18 poll.
Football Federation SA revealed plans for the project last February, after it received $19 million towards the facility from the state government.
It would include a 5000-capacity stadium, four synthetic pitches, an indoor futsal complex and 10 outdoor five-a-side courts built on 15ha of vacant land at the State Sports Park.
The centre, which was due to open in 2021, would also feature a gym, education centre, kitchen, administration space, meeting rooms and SA soccer museum.
FFSA chief executive Michael Carter said the Labor funding pledge would allow the project to be constructed in its entirety, instead of being built in stages.
“This is an exciting boost for football in South Australia,” Carter said.
“Thousands of players from the state and multiple clubs will directly benefit from the completion of the multi-pitch development.
“The development will be a game changer for the sport in South Australia and our football family welcomes the funding commitment.”
The main pitch would boast a 1000-seat grandstand, as well as standing areas for 4000 spectators, capable of hosting National Premier Leagues and FFA Cup matches.
Three additional artificial fields would also feature 200-seat stands, while the national-standard indoor futsal centre would include three courts.
Opposition sports spokesman Don Farrell said the complex, which was expected to attract up to 1500 participants weekly, would cater for everyone from social players to elite talents.
“Our investment will help deliver Labor and the FFSA’s shared vision for this facility to become a true home for football at all levels in our State,” Farrell said.
A spokesman for sports minister Bridget McKenzie said the government had allocated $350 million towards sport nationally in this year’s Federal Budget.
The figure did not include funding for the soccer hub.
Work was expected to begin on the project later this year.
Raiders embrace ‘underdog’ tag, new recruit scores winner
An NPL side enjoying its second season in the top flight is making a strike for the top of the table, while another club coach says his side is playing a brand that’s ‘nice, it’s good, it’s sharp’. Check out The Messenger’s reports from the weekend’s action.
Top women’s soccer coach quits, cites ‘difference of opinion’
A top flight women’s soccer coach has quit mid season because “differing opinions” despite leading the side to first spot on the table with just one loss after six rounds.