New State Centre of Football at Gepps Cross to drive participation and excellence

15 February 2018

SA Government: The Football Federation of South Australia will establish a multi-purpose football facility and headquarters at Gepps Cross as part of $30 million State Government investment in the State Sports Park.

Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said the State Government will provide $19 million toward the $26 million State Centre of Football, along with $7.7 million to redevelop the Superdrome, $2 million for a BMX training facility and $1 million to upgrade the State Hockey Centre.

Mr Koutsantonis said the State Centre of Football will provide world class facilities to cater for everything from social participation to FFSA education and player pathway programs, and establish a venue capable of hosting national and international events.

The State Centre of Football will be built on a 15 hectare parcel of land located within the State Sports Park. It will include:

As a result of the project, Fulham United FC will relocate to the FFSA’s Adelaide Shores Football Centre to better cater for its 500 juniors. Meanwhile, Adelaide Olympic FC will consolidate its operations including relocating its juniors to the Parks Football Centre once the new centre is built.

The FFSA will also establish a Multicultural Centre of Excellence and Leadership Program that will engage migrant youth in education through Football leading to employment opportunities in coaching, refereeing, catering and facility maintenance.

Construction is estimated to be complete by 2020.

Background

A new State Centre of Football will be built on a 15 hectare parcel of land located in State Sports Park at Gepps Cross.

The State Government will provide $19 million as part of a $30 million redevelopment package for the State Sports Park.

The FFSA have prepared an updated business case to establish the facility that will cater for all levels of the sport from social games to elite level competition.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis

This new facility at Gepps Cross further enhances South Australia’s reputation as the spiritual home of football in Australia.

It is a boost for grassroots football as well because it frees up the Parks and Adelaide Shores for junior football.

It will enable the Football Federation of South Australia to develop the game at a community level while hosting national and international competitions.

This project will also provide a huge boost to the State Sports Park precinct which is also receiving upgrades to the cycling, BMX and hockey infrastructure.

Quotes attributable to FFSA Chief Executive Michael Carter

The State Government is committed to supporting the continued growth in football and have supported our Football Facilities Development Plan.

Establishing a State Centre for Football will open new opportunities for players, coaches and referees of all ages.

The centre will be a high traffic development designed to cater for social players as a result of the 5 A Side venue to the elite player.

Connecting with local schools, community groups and establishing a Multicultural Centre of Excellence and Leadership Program will be features of the State Centre for Football.

Quotes attributable to FFSA President Sam Ciccarello

Today’s funding announcement by the State Government illustrates a strong commitment to improving infrastructure for Football and this will result in an increase in participation across all levels of the code in South Australia.

Having a State Centre for Football will elevate the code in South Australia and provide a venue that all South Australians can be proud of.

On behalf of the entire Football Family, we thank Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis and the entire State Government for their continued support of Football in SA

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Florey Rik Morris

Football is one of South Australia’s most popular sports and this facility ensures the FFSA can keep up with continued growth at a grassroots level.

Sport plays an important part in young people’s physical and social development and the flow on effects from this investment in the State Sports Park will be huge.

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Playford Michael Brown

With Australia qualifying for another World Cup, football in South Australia is expected to keep growing, including among women and girls.

This new facility, along with the handover of The Parks and Adelaide Shores to community clubs, will ensure there is infrastructure to support this growth.

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Wright Blair Boyer

This is a great boost for the northern suburbs and it will help even more young people to be active and lead healthy lives.

By investing in sporting infrastructure like this, we are giving our kids the best opportunity to engage with the community, build social networks and keep fit.

 

--ENDS--

 

Source:  South Australian Government - www.premier.sa.gov.au

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