Soccer boost for Ballarat

Friday, 27 May 2011

Ballarat will soon have a soccer facility capable of hosting both local and high-level soccer matches thanks to a funding boost announced today.

The region's first synthetic soccer pitch opened today at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility and confirmation was received that the State Government will provide an additional $2 million to further developments at Morshead Park. $1 million was provided by the state government towards the development of the synthetic pitch in 2010.

The opening of this synthetic pitch is a great start but there is still more work to be done to make sure the planned amenities become a reality.  By developing quality sporting facilities the Government hopes to encourage even more people to get active, more often.

This additional funding will help to ensure the future of soccer in Ballarat, allowing clubs to continue growing and nurturing local talent.

The facility will be used extensively by the Ballarat Red Devils and Ballarat Academy of Soccer as well as by local schools including St Aloysius Primary and Sebastapol College.

The completed $8.6 million facility will include two synthetic turf pitches with sports floodlighting and fencing, and a double-storey pavilion featuring change room and shower facilities for men and women, as well as referees room and a first aid room.

Ballarat is part of the unprecedented growth in popularity of soccer in recent years, with more and more families eagerly grasping the great aspects of the world game as both players and spectators.

There were 57,714 players registered with Football Federation Victoria (FFV) in 2010 which represents an amazing 40 per cent increase since 2008.

There are also more teams and more clubs than ever, with 3,733 teams at 313 FFV affiliated clubs across Victoria, six of which are in Ballarat.