Football Tasmania has welcomed Tuesday’s announcement by the Liberal Party that it will commit $3.5 million towards the redevelopment of Valley Road if elected after May 21.
Announced by Member for Braddon, Gavin Pearce, the funding would allow Devonport Strikers to complete Stage One of its redevelopment of Valley Road, including increased seating, lighting and pitch upgrades, as well as refurbished clubroom and kitchen facilities.
The funding would be in addition to the State Government funding committed to Valley Road to give the venue the best chance of being selected to host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup basecamps.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley thanked Pearce for supporting the growth of football in Devonport and the north west coast.
“As the home of one of the state’s most successful clubs in Devonport Strikers, Valley Road is an iconic Tasmanian football venue and the premier facility on the north-west coast,” Bulkeley told Football Tasmania.
“Football continues to go from strength-to-strength in the region, and these upgrades will help the venue keep pace, allowing for further growth of the game in Devonport and surrounds.
“Improved facilities will also put Valley Road in contention to host A-League men’s and women’s games, which would be a great and deserved addition to the north-west sporting calendar.
“On behalf of the Tasmanian football community I thank Mr Pearce for this commitment.
“Sporting upgrades such as this bring so much to the community and we encourage Labor to follow suit to ensure the growth of football continues on the north-west regardless of the election result.”