Capital Football’s plans to establish a Home of Football has taken a massive step, with the ACT Government committing to the expansion of football in Canberra.
Capital Football CEO Phil Brown, Chair Fran Sankey and Canberra United players Grace Maher and Emma Ilijoski joined ACT Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry in reaffirming the ACT Government’s desire to aid in the growth of what is the most popular sport in the state.
An additional $9 million was committed to the Throsby development in the 2021/22 Budget, taking the total investment to $33.5 million, which includes a $4.5 million contribution from Capital Football.
“It’s a significant investment for football in the ACT because we’ve seen significant growth, with the highest participation rates in Canberra,” ACT Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry said.
The Home of Football will support more than 30,000 participants in the ACT, by providing a dedicated competition and training facility.
The project will deliver state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor football facilities in the ACT, support a range of community and high-performance programs for Capital Football and its affiliated clubs, and provide valuable open space for the public to use and enjoy.
Canberra United player and Majura FC junior Grace Maher believes having a home of football will ensure that players are provided with invaluable playing pathways and opportunities.
“Looking out into an empty field at the moment, you start to envision yourself there and I’m really looking forward to seeing it come to life,” she said.
“Canberra has such a rich history with women’s sport and the culture we have here is great.”
The project will also include the construction of a new futsal building that will house two full-sized futsal courts and have an adjoining grandstand that will overlook the main enclosed and associated synthetic playing fields.
On the first floor, the building will include office space for Capital Football staff, operational areas, and a multi-purpose function room for match and non-matchday activities.
New community sportsground facilities will also be provided and will include grass and synthetic fields and a new sportsground pavilion.
Capital Football CEO Phil Brown is pleased to have support from the ACT Government.
“Community sport plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of society, and we are grateful for the ACT Government’s support in developing the Throsby precinct to enable our organisation to continue to provide that social benefit in the Gungahlin District and Canberra through participation in football and futsal,” he said.
Community engagement on the design and development of Throsby Home of Football will commence shortly through the ACT Government’s YourSay website.
