Funding boost strengthens soccer in Hastings Electorate
10-October-2011
Western Port Soccer Club is one of 11 throughout Victoria to have scored a share in $840,000 worth of Victorian Government funding from the Strengthening the World Game Program.
Member for Hastings, Neale Burgess MP, said local clubs are attracting greater numbers of both males and females to their ranks especially with the recent announcement of the return of Harry Kewell to play for Victory in the A-League.
“This funding boost will ensure Western Port Soccer Club can not only cater for growing demand but accommodate even more people from the wider community wanting to join in the fun,” Mr Burgess said.
The Western Port Soccer Club is made up of 12 teams, 3 senior, and 9 junior. Currently, the club only has temporary lighting arrangement in place, lighting up only half of the oval. The additional lighting will enable the club to make full use of this facility and enabling its 200 players to train two nights a week, creating a family environment with senior and junior teams training together.
“By improving local facilities and playing conditions we can boost memberships, participation, home ground support and get more people more active more often at Western Port Soccer club,” Mr Burgess said.
The Western Port Soccer Club project will involve an allocation of $54 360 to install competition and match practice sports lighting at the Graham Myers Reserve.
“It’s not just local soccer that benefits. The development will open up a range of possibilities for other sports and activities, as well as nearby schools,” Mr Burgess said.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said the Strengthening the World Game Program to date has provided over $4.5m in funding to 56 projects across Victoria.
“Projects can range from the construction of new change rooms, to the installation of floodlighting and the development or upgrade of pitches,” Mr Delahunty said.
“We look forward to supporting more local soccer initiatives in the future and encourage even more people to emulate their Socceroos and Matildas heroes by taking up the world game,” he said.