Christine with Minister Merlino and Moreland City Council Mayor Stella Kariofyllidis testing
the new synthetic soccer pitch and John Fawkner College
SYNTHETIC SOCCER PITCH SET FOR ALL SEASONS AT FAWKNER
Fawkner families can try and emulate their favourite Socceroos and Matildas players after the official opening of the new synthetic soccer pitch at John Fawkner College today.
Sports Minister James Merlino joined Member for Pascoe Vale Christine Campbell at the low-maintenance pitch, that doesn’t require watering and is able to withstand more wear and tear.
“Victorians love their sport and school facilities like those here at Fawkner play a vital role in ensuring communities are strong, happy, healthy and active,” Mr Merlino said.
“With the rise of soccer’s popularity throughout Victoria the new pitch will provide a major boost for a school and community that loves sport.
“The great advantage of the new synthetic pitch is that it can be used up to 50 hours per week – compared to around 20 hours per week for a comparable grassed pitch.
“This means even more clubs and the community of Moreland, as well as College students and nearby schools can benefit from this all-weather pitch.”
Ms Campbell said the new FIFA-rated pitch at the College comes with fencing and training level flood lighting to enable students, local teams and social players to train or play, day or night.
She said the Victorian Government had provided $300,000 towards the project under the Synthetic Surfaces Program.
“I would like to congratulate Moreland City Council for its generous contribution of $300,000, and the School and Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for their investment of $500,000,” Ms Campbell said.
“We don’t want any Victorians to miss out on the benefits of an active lifestyle that’s why we’re working closely with councils and communities to improve the quality, accessibility, and this case drought proof local sporting facilities.”
Member for Thomastown Peter Batchelor said the new facility was a boost for the community.
Moreland Mayor Stella Kariofyllidis thanked the State Government and John Fawkner College for their investment in the well-being of young people and their recreational opportunities.
“Drought tolerant playing surfaces make a huge difference to how often and how intensively grounds can be used, which is vital for the passionate and committed soccer playing population of Moreland,” Cr Kariofyllidis said.
The Victorian Government has committed more than $27 million for over 590 initiatives to help local communities develop sustainable approaches to water management at sporting facilities, enabling them to support higher levels of use and participation, especially in times of drought.