Work has officially commenced at the new world-class State Centre for Football at Gepps Cross, a $24million project that will provide opportunities for the grassroots through to the elite participant of the world game.
Football SA President Sam Ciccarello and Football SA CEO Michael Carter, joined the Hon. Corey Wingard MP to mark an exciting new chapter for local football.
The Minister Sport Recreation and Racing Corey Wingard said the new facility will be a game-changer for the state, catering for all levels of the sport.
“The State Centre of Football will play a key role in this bid as a world-class training facility and going forward it will also have the capacity to facilitate FFA Cup matches and other national and international training and events.
“I’m excited about the huge potential this project has to engage more people of all ages to play football which is part of our Game On strategy to get South Australians moving.
“The State Centre will form part of the State Sports Park which will become an integrated, multi-use community and elite sports hub that is greener, more accessible and more welcoming.”
The facility, which will be located in the north-east corner of the State Sports Park adjacent to Briens Road, will proudly house:
- One natural turf show pitch with 1,000 seat grandstand and 5,000 spectator capacity
- Two full-size synthetic pitches
- Six change rooms, referee change facilities and gymnasium
- Ten 5-a-side pitches
- Football South Australia Administration Headquarters
- Football Museum
- Kiosk, café and bar facilities
Football SA President Sam Ciccarello said:
“This is a hallmark event for football in South Australia. From its conceptualisation, to designing a venue for social, grassroots and tournament football, as well as providing for an impressive, modern administration building, the State Centre for Football will be an important realisation of Football SA establishing a home of football, while also enabling quality facilities that will be of benefit to our community. The Centre could only happen with significant investment from the state government and we express our gratitude and appreciation to the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing, the Hon Corey Wingard, and Premier Steven Marshall for their support”.
Football SA CEO Michael Carter said:
This is a really exciting day for the game in the state. Infrastructure has been a key strategic driver for the organisation over the past 7 years. The State Centre for Football will be a great facility that will connect grassroots to the elite and importantly provide a home for social participants via the state’s first 5 A-Side venue. I look forward to seeing the development progress. ”
Managed by Built Environs, the project is expected to be completed in 52 weeks.
