Magazine - Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility a Step Closer

By Editor in Football on 12th Aug 2009 20:45

The first step in a plan to build a state-of-the-art soccer facility in Ballarat is expected to be revealed today.

State Sport Minister James Merlino is scheduled to make a major announcement at Morshead Park this morning. 'The Courier' believes the minister will announce State Government funding to construct the city's first synthetic soccer pitch at the park.

The move would be in line with a Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility Feasibility Study, to be considered at a Ballarat City Council meeting tomorrow night. The study was commissioned by the council in conjunction with Sport and Recreation Victoria and the Football Federation of South West Victoria.

It proposes setting up a Ballarat Soccer precinct, which would link key soccer facilities in the city, including Trekardo Park, Pleasant St Reserve and St Georges Reserve.

The centrepiece of the precinct would be the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility at Morshead Park. The report has backed a staged development of the park. An $8.6 million first stage of development would include:

* A main stadium pitch with associated infrastructure, including sports floodlights and fencing;
* Change rooms, officials' change rooms and first aid rooms;
* Covered spectator areas, an indoor members' bistro and an indoor functions space;
* A second pitch; and
* Two synthetic playing surfaces.

A council report has recommended that councillors endorse the study and the soccer precinct concept, and identify the regional soccer facility as a priority for council.

Source & More: www.thecourier.com.au

Read more articles in Football, by Editor or from August 2009.