Ahead of this weekend’s Federal Election, Independent Candidate for Franklin, Brendan Blomeley has backed a Home of Football at Wentworth Park which has been welcomed by Football Tasmania.
The Home of Football will offer more fields and facilities to support every level of football in Tasmania, from local grassroots teams to elite talent development and academy programs, and will also serve as the future home base for a potential Tasmanian A-League club.
Blomeley explained the decision behind his support.
“Wentworth Park in Franklin is the ideal location for a purpose-built facility that caters for all levels of all football, from grassroots to elite,” he said in a press release.
“Football is growing and is running out of space in the South of the State, and Franklin should be home to this facility to create football pathways for the future, from MiniRoos to the Socceroos and Matildas.
“Tasmania needs a facility that will benefit the entire football community.”
Football Tasmania is looking for funding to build the $80 million Home of Football, which would feature six full-sized pitches, three synthetic and three grass, along with four five-a-side fields, catering to everyone from local clubs to elite-level players.
The facility would also include modern changing rooms and training areas for both women and men.
Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata expressed his excitement about receiving the Independent Candidate’s support.
“We are thrilled to receive Mr Blomeley’s support today. Tasmanians love our football, and the sport continues to grow,” he said in a press release.
“What we need now is for our Federal, State and Local Governments to provide their communities with the facilities they need to participate in the sport that they love.
“The success of our Tasmanian teams, such as the JackJumpers in the NBL and the Hurricanes in the BBL, show what is possible with the support of all levels of government.
“We strive for an elite football presence in the national A-League competition, to rightfully take our place on the national stage and to provide a complete pathway for our footballers who aspire to play professionally.
“I thank Brendan for his support, and will continue to work with Labor and the Liberals to secure their support for this important infrastructure for future generations.”
Last year in Tasmania, participation increased by five percent compared to 2023, reaching a total of 31,278, which includes a three percent rise in outdoor football, with 14,552 participants, 28 percent of whom are female.
