Soccer funding boost for Carnegie soccer clubs
Carnegie soccer players can look forward to year round football thanks to a $100,000 Brumby Labor Government boost to convert the existing winter grass surface at Lord Reserve’s soccer pitch to a more drought-tolerant warm season grass.
Sports Minister James Merlino joined Member for Oakleigh Ann Barker at the site recently – home to Glen Eira Junior Soccer Club, North Caulfield Maccabi and Caulfield Cougars Soccer clubs.
“Grassroots clubs are at the heart of our communities and by improving their facilities, we’re encouraging even more people to get active and involved in sports like soccer,” Mr Merlino said.
“The new surface will provide a major boost for these growing clubs that have close to 1000 junior and senior members between them, and who are keen to get a run on the park."
“This is about sustaining sporting facilities well into the future so that grassroots clubs like these can continue to provide opportunities for participation in sport and the local community.”
The advantages of the new warm season drought-resistant grass is that it requires less watering, is tolerant to heat stress, is durable and help reduce the strain on potable resources.
The works also include the installation of a new state-of-the-art drip feed irrigation system to maximise the efficiency of the water usage on the pitch.
Ann Barker said the project was a great example of what can be achieved when state and local Governments worked with the community to improve and upgrade local sporting facilities.
“With so many local families wanting to get involved in soccer, it’s important we provide durable facilities that allow more people to play more often,” Ann Barker said.
“Efforts like these ensure clubs can cater for the growing popularity of soccer in their areas, particularly amongst local female and junior players, and allow even more of the community, including nearby schools, to use the reserve.
“I would like to congratulate Glen Eira City Council for contributing $200,000 to the project.”
More information is available online about grant recipients, guidelines and application forms for the Strengthening the World Game Program
