Croydon FC will move into a newly constructed facility setup at Regency Park Oval early next year, in what is a significant boost for the NPL club.
Amongst other things, two full-size synthetic pitches are set to be implemented at the club’s new home, with one of those already completed – alongside new clubrooms, a community function room and a junior grass pitch.
$4 million in funding for the project is being provided by the State Government, with the local Port Adelaide Enfield Council chipping in $3 million.
The relocation project was partly due to conflicting government infrastructure projects, but also down to the growth the club has been experiencing at a participation level.
“Croydon FC did recognise it outgrew its old facilities and developed a strategy for a new club which ensured that it catered for all members and players, provided up to date modern facilities and place where we could bring community and football together,” Chair of Croydon FC, Simon Garagaro said.
The club’s junior and senior setup will now be located at the same facility, something that was not possible in past times. It’s one of the many benefits the club is set to receive from the move.
“The benefits for, club, community, and football we believe will be significant,” Vice Chair of Croydon FC, Maria Hagias said.
“This opportunity will ensure that the whole club and teams are located within one facility, it provides a sense of connectedness that we have not experienced over the years due to having to run the club from several facilities.
“Our Senior men, women and juniors will be together sharing the joys and knowledge of football, building a sense of community and aspiration that will ensure that our club will continue its success for many years to come.
“Our region is culturally diverse, and we are proud to have a club that began due to the vision of migrants creating a sense of belonging and continuing that legacy until this day and into the future.”
At a junior level, participation numbers continue to rise rapidly at the club – particularly on the female side.
This trend is showing no signs of slowing down, especially with the new facilities at Regency Park Oval.
“We do expect an influx, the community has already embraced and are excited about the new facilities,” Hagias said.
“Trials for the season coming have already witnessed a significant increase from last year, resulting in extra teams for juniors and an increase in young girls wanting to participate in 2022.
“Our senior women’s team has enjoyed success over the last two years and promoting their success has resulted in an increase of women and girls wanting to join Croydon, alongside our new facilities.
“The Women’s World Cup is certainly creating excitement and engaging young girls and women, it is critical to capitalise on the potential that a World Cup brings to the sport and it is our responsibility to create an environment that equally invests and commits to female participation.”
The club itself was founded in 1950 by Polish migrants, initially called Polonia Sports Club, before transitioning to a football club down the track.
The hard work of the community as whole has been essential to the foundations of the club.
“The club was established to use sport as a vehicle to connect as a community – to bring together whole of community, celebrating diversity and inclusion and addressing isolation,” Hagias explained.
“We are committed to the original vision and continue that today; this is evident across our club from our leadership body which ensures and is committed to diversity and to our volunteers and playing groups.
“Our club is successful due to the hard work and passion of volunteers and community.
“Our successes on and off the field are due to our volunteers, parents and players embracing our vision and values.
“We are proud of our club and its history, as a result we have produced amazing sports people who have gone on to represent Croydon proudly.”
