Construction of a new world-class State Centre at Gepps Cross has officially commenced, to provide opportunities for grassroots through to elite participation.
The $24 million project represents an exciting new chapter for South Australian football. Football SA President Sam Ciccarello and Football SA CEO Michael Carter were joined by the Hon. Corey Wingard MP at the sites location.
As the new facility will cater for all levels of the sport, it will offer a game-changer for anyone looking to get involved.
“The State Centre of Football will play a key role in this bid as a world-class training facility and going forward it will also have the capacity to facilitate FFA Cup matches and other national and international training and events,” Minister Sport Recreation and Racing Corey Wingard said.
“I’m excited about the huge potential this project has to engage more people of all ages to play football which is part of our Game On strategy to get South Australians moving.
“The State Centre will form part of the State Sports Park which will become an integrated, multi-use community and elite sports hub that is greener, more accessible and more welcoming.”
The facility will be located in the north-east corner of the State Sports Park, adjacent to Briens Road. Its feature include the following:
- One natural turf show pitch with 1,000 seat grandstand and 5,000 spectator capacity
- Two full-size synthetic pitches
- Six change rooms, referee change facilities and gymnasium
- Ten 5-a-side pitches
- Football South Australia Administration Headquarters
- Football Museum
- Kiosk, café and bar facilities
“This is a hallmark event for football in South Australia,” Football SA President Sam Ciccarello said.
“From its conceptualisation, to designing a venue for social, grassroots and tournament football, as well as providing for an impressive, modern administration building, the State Centre for Football will be an important realisation of Football SA establishing a home of football, while also enabling quality facilities that will be of benefit to our community.
“The Centre could only happen with significant investment from the state government and we express our gratitude and appreciation to the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing, the Hon Corey Wingard, and Premier Steven Marshall for their support.”
The project is managed and coordinated by Built Environs, where it’s expected that the works are completed in 52 weeks.
“This is a really exciting day for the game in the state. Infrastructure has been a key strategic driver for the organisation over the past 7 years,” Football SA CEO Michael Carter said.
“The State Centre for Football will be a great facility that will connect grassroots to the elite and importantly provide a home for social participants via the state’s first 5 A-Side venue. I look forward to seeing the development progress.”
