Elite sporting centre planned for Kilsyth

PLANS for a sporting centre in Kilsyth received a boost with Casey federal Liberal MP Tony Smith pledging a re-elected Liberal Government would contribute towards the $2m project.

Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith kicks a short pass into the safe hands of Blake Hardwick as Len Cox and Eastern Devil's Kendra Heil look on. Picture: Steve Tanner

PLANS for a sporting centre of excellence in Kilsyth received a boost with Casey federal Liberal MP Tony Smith pledging a re-elected Liberal Government would contribute towards the $2m project.

The Kilsyth Recreation Reserve is home to the AFL Victoria Eastern Ranges TAC Program and provides participation opportunities for more than 200 youths annually.

Mr Smith pledged $500,000 to go towards the construction of a modern sporting pavilion at the reserve.

The pavilion would include elite male and female facilities that would allow for the establishment of an AFL Youth Girls Academy for the region.

AFL Victoria Eastern Ranges talent manager Len Villani welcomed the funding commitment.

“We like to think of ourselves as elite and we need to have facilities that reflect that, not just in the male space but in the female space which we are excited about,” Mr Villani said

“It’s about accessibility for both males and females and all sorts of programs, not just elite — making this facility a real hub for community.”

The facility would include home-and-away unisex change rooms, unisex umpire rooms, meeting and lecture rooms, offices, and a gymnasium for high performance athletes.

“This fantastic project will provide a first-class sporting facility for footballers and athletes in our local community and the broader eastern suburban area,” Mr Smith said.

“It is a great opportunity not just for the footballers, male and female, of today but also tomorrow.”

Yarra Ranges Council has already allocated $1m towards the project with the rest to be contributed by AFL Victoria.

Councillor Len Cox said the council saw the advantage in supporting sporting projects.

“The physical exercise is good for kids and the interest and friendships that it generates is good for youth generally,” Cr Cox said. “And people love going to see footy.”