Football Tasmania has welcomed the State Government’s Budget commitment of $350,000 in seed funding for the next stage of planning for its Home of Football, a purpose-built facility for all levels of football in Tasmania.
Following the release of the State Budget last Thursday, Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata OAM thanked Sports Minister Nick Duigan for the State Government’s investment in the future facility.
“On behalf of Tasmania’s 41,395 participants in the beautiful game, we thank you,” he said.
“The State Government’s delivery on this commitment shows us that they understand that demand outstrips supply for rectangular facilities in the State – and especially in the State’s South – and that if we are to continue togrow and develop future Matildas and Socceroos, we need to invest in the infrastructure our game so desperately needs.
“This facility will enable us to host grassroots junior games and tournaments, to host national competitions such as the Emerging Matildas and Emerging Socceroos, and to host our own flagship competitions such as our Statewide Cup finals.
“And, one day down the track, we anticipate this would become home to our very own A-League team, so that we take our rightful place in the nation’s elite competition, joining the JackJumpers, Jewels and Devils in defending the island.”
The $80 million Home of Football will include 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 modern women’s and men’s change rooms and training facilities.
“I’d also like to thank our outgoing Football Tasmania President Bob Gordon, who has dedicated almost a decade of service to our game, and who has been instrumental in lobbying for support for this and other facilities across the State,” Mr Pignata said.