Wednesday, 10 July 2019

The world game has a new regional leader in soccer facilities with a FIFA-accredited synthetic pitch now open in the Latrobe Valley, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today opened the new facility at Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium, which will be used by local clubs as well as becoming home to elite pathway clubs such as Gippsland FC.

A $1.7 million investment from the Labor Government is transforming the longstanding sporting venue into a leading centre for soccer in Gippsland, led by the new synthetic surface.

The project features a 105 metre x 68 metre pitch, removable goals, perimeter pathways, storage areas, player and officials benches, sports lighting for evening play and training and a six-metre high net along Crinigan Road.

The pitch allows for 11-a-side, nine-a-side and seven-a-side soccer matches and can cater for a range of other sports as well.

The upgrades will allow the site to continue attracting and hosting major events including Melbourne Victory A-League pre-season and W-League in-season matches, supported by the Labor Government.

The Government is supporting an unprecedented investment in community infrastructure in the Latrobe Valley, including the $57 million Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre, $17 million Traralgon Sports Stadium, $3.5 million cricket centre in Moe and $4 million upgrade at Morwell Recreation Reserve.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium has a long and proud history in the Gippsland sporting landscape and this project goes a long way toward ensuring it continues to offer the very best opportunities for soccer players in this region.”

“We’re excited to support this project, which not only provides the community with great facilities, but gives Gippsland its first soccer centre of excellence to provide pathways to elite sport for local athletes.”