Clarence locations selected as potential sites for the Home of Football, as new figures confirm football the most popular team sport

Football Tasmania has revealed that two sites have been selected as potential locations for Tasmania’s proposed $80 million Home of Football.

The two sites are both in Clarence: Wentworth Park and the Hobart International Business Park near Hobart International Airport.

The release of the two potential locations come as football (soccer) is once again confirmed as the most popular team sport for young people in Tasmania, according to the latest official data released by AusPlay.

The new data shows 12.5 per cent of young Tasmanians play football, including a massive 34.4 per cent in the 9-11 age group.

This is well ahead of other team sports such as basketball (10.6 per cent), Australian Rule (nine per cent) and cricket (1.7 per cent).

“This latest official data confirms what we have long known – Tasmanians, particularly young Tasmanians, love playing our football,” Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata said.

“And why wouldn’t they – football is inclusive, it’s fun, it’s easy to learn, and it’s relatively safe to play compared to other team sports.

“Unfortunately, the Government don’t seem to agree: as we have previously pointed out, compared to other sports such as basketball and AFL, we are massively underfunded in terms of both infrastructure and operational funding.

“It’s now more important than ever to ensure football has the pitches and facilities it needs for the long term.

“That’s why Football Tasmania has a plan to deliver the Home of Football in the South, and regional hubs in the North and North-West, and will continue to seek Federal and State Government support to deliver these critical infrastructure projects.”

The Home of Football would include:

• Six full-sized pitches – three synthetic and three turf
• Four five-aside pitches for community football
• State of the art women’s and men’s change rooms and training facilities
• State football headquarters facility
• Car parking facilities

Mr Pignata said that Football Tasmania looked forward to continuing to engage with the Clarence City Council and the broader community on this exciting proposal for football and the local community.