Two sites in Clarence have been earmarked for Football Tasmania’s new ‘Home of Football’
The state’s top soccer body has pitched an $80m Home of Football in Clarence. Here’s what the mayor has to say about it.
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An $80m Home of Football proposed for two sites in Clarence has met with a cool response from mayor Brendan Blomeley who says plans are “purely conceptual” and not yet backed by council.
Football Tasmania has revealed state-of-the-art soccer facilities at either Wentworth Park in Howrah or the Hobart International Business Park near Hobart Airport.
Mr Blomeley said the council had been aware of Football Tasmania’s proposal for Wentworth Park “but their plans have been in no way endorsed by Council”.
“We are keen to talk but there are proper processes they need to go through and they are aware of that,” he said.
“Council officers have been working with FT and have had discussions with the current users of the sports grounds in order to bring holistic information to council, for councillors to consider if we want to progress discussions with FT.
“At this stage however, FT’s plans are purely conceptional.
“They have not conducted consultation with our community, and no decision, formal or informal, has been made.
“We are looking at the future of Wentworth Park Sports Grounds through our own Sports Facilities Strategic Plan and Open Space Strategy.”
Clarence deputy mayor Allison Ritchie, however, said “these sorts of proposals are very welcome” but urged state and federal governments to fund sports infrastructure in the South.
“The whole South is groaning under the pressure of aged infrastructure and inappropriate infrastructure that’s been the result of many decades of under investment in sport and recreation infrastructure,” she said.
“What we really need to see is the state and federal governments come together to look at regional funding in a big way, because we’re really struggling out there.
“Clubs are doing fantastic work under very difficult circumstances in respect of their infrastructure.”
Ms Ritchie, who is general manager of the Police and Citizens Youth Club, said many clubs were in buildings that were 70-years-old.
“We’re all in aged infrastructure where it’s a hamstring on growth, it’s a hamstring on inclusion, because the buildings are not disability compliant,” she said.
“For example, at Hobart PCYC we could double our gymnastics program tomorrow, but we just haven’t got the space.
“We also haven’t got the capacity to include all abilities, which is really, really frustrating, and that’s replicated everywhere I go.
“Every council would be able to tell you that they are short of many ovals, many pitches, so many basketball courts.
“Basketball is going to become even more challenging with what we know is foreshadowed to happen with the Swisher building.”
Ms Ritchie suggested governments could look at doing funding partnership agreements with local councils who did not have funding capacity for big projects.
— Sue Bailey
Football Tasmania reveals lofty plans for $80m ‘home’
The future looks bright for the round ball game in Tasmania with soccer chiefs revealing their two preferred sites for Football Tasmania’s proposed $80m Home of Football as the sport tops the list of team sport in Tassie yet again.
The state-of-the-art soccer “Home” would deliver national-standard facility for senior and grade competition and give the state’s thriving soccer fraternity a centre to raise the next generation of stars to follow in the footsteps of players like Tasmanian Socceroos player Nathaniel Atkinson.
FT identified two sites both in Clarence municipality _ Wentworth Park in Howrah and the Hobart International Business Park near Hobart International Airport _ for its six full-size pitches, four five-a-side pitches and industry-standard men’s and women’s change room facilities.
FT boss Tony Pignata said it would be the facility soccer desperately needed as new data shows the World Game is thriving in Tasmania.
He said the latest research by AusPlay confirmed football (soccer) was still the most popular team sport for young people in Tasmania.
It showed 12.5 per cent of young Tasmanians played soccer, including a massive 34.4 per cent in the 9-11 age group, which was well ahead of other team sports such as basketball (10.6 per cent), Aussie Rules (9 per cent) and cricket (1.7 per cent).
“This latest official data confirms what we have long known – Tasmanians, particularly young Tasmanians, love playing our football,” Mr Pignata said.
“And why wouldn’t they – football is inclusive, it’s fun, it’s easy to learn, and it’s relatively safe to play compared to other team sports.”
FT is still searching for funds to build its Home of Football.
The state government has committed $60m to the development of the Tasmanian Devils AFL team’s $70m High Performance Centre at Kingston, with the other $10m coming from the AFL.
It has also committed to building the JackJumpers’ $15m HPC, also at Kingston, so the reigning NBL champion has a premium training and administration hub.
Soccer has a strong case for government backing, being the top team sport in Tasmania.
“Unfortunately, the government don’t seem to agree, as we have previously pointed out, compared to other sports such as basketball and AFL, we are massively underfunded in terms of both infrastructure and operational funding,” Mr Pignata said.
“It’s now more important than ever to ensure football has the pitches and facilities it needs for the long term.
“That’s why Football Tasmania has a plan to deliver the Home of Football in the south, and regional hubs in the North and North-West.
“We will continue to seek Federal and state government support to deliver these critical infrastructure projects.”
Mr Pignata said that FT would continue to engage with Clarence City Council and the broader community “on this exciting proposal for football and the local community”.
FOOTBALL TASMANIA’S PROPOSED HOME OF FOOTBALL
Six full-sized pitches – three synthetic and three turf
Four five-aside pitches for community football
State-of-the-art women’s and men’s change rooms and training facilities
State football administration headquarters
Car parking
— James Bresnehan
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