Artists’ impressions of the proposed Home of Football for the State’s South.
Football Tasmania has unveiled plans for its new Home of Football that will support football to grow in Tasmania, from the grassroots right through to the elite.
The $80 million Home of Football includes six full-sized pitches – three synthetic and three turf – plus four five-aside pitches for all levels of community and elite football, as well as state of the art women’s and men’s change rooms and training facilities.
The facilities could also be home to men’s and women’s A-Leagues teams in future.
The Home of Football will be in Tasmania’s South, and locations are being explored.
In addition, work is continuing on two $10 million North and North-West Regional Hubs, including design and location.
“It’s an exciting time for football in Tasmania, it’s growing fast, and our footballers need more pitches and better facilities,” Football Tasmania CEO Tony Pignata said.
“Football is Tasmania’s most played team sport. There’s already 38,000 participants, and that’s tipped to grow by 20 per cent in coming years.
“Football’s popularity is not only because of our inspirational Matildas, but because it’s one of the safest sports our kids can play, it encourages an active lifestyle, and creates a strong sense of community.
“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 for three Regional Hubs, and is working with the State Government to secure funding to deliver Home of Football in the South, and the North and North-West Regional Hubs.
“Right now, we are the poor cousin. The Tasmanian Government invests around $540 into every Tasmanian who plays Australian Rules and around $138 into every basketballer, yet only $19 in a football player.
“A simple levelling of the funding playing field will go a long way to realising our priorities for football in Tasmania, and take football to the next level.”
Mr Pignata encouraged locals to take the opportunity to watch some of the A-Leagues’ finest tomorrow, when Western United FC returns to North Hobart Oval for a women’s and men’s double-header against Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC respectively.
“The festival of football continues, after the men’s Western United v Western Sydney Wanderers clash drew 3850 fans to North Hobart Oval last weekend,” he said.
“This weekend we expect even more fans with the women’s and men’s double header, featuring several Matildas and Socceroos.
“Whether you’re an all-round sports fan, a football player, or if the Women’s World Cup was your first football experience, you’ll enjoy the live action this Saturday.
“There’s nothing like live football, and these two A-Leagues matches will be sensational.”
Tickets are available from Ticketek HERE.