Hamilton soccer scores $100,000

Friday, 15 March 2013

From the Minister for Sport and Recreation
More people in and around Hamilton will be getting more active, more often following today’s news of a $100,000 funding announcement to develop soccer facilities at Pedrina Park in Hamilton.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty today visited Pedrina Park to announce the Victorian Government funding which will enable the development of an important new base for Hamilton Soccer Club that, up until now, has been without a permanent venue to train or play.

“One of the Victorian Government’s key objectives is to build healthy and active communities,” Mr Delahunty said.

“To achieve this goal, we need quality community facilities that encourage local people to play the sports they love for many years to come.

“With the rise of the A-League, soccer’s popularity in Victoria is on the increase and we’re seeing some of the greatest growth in regional centres such as Hamilton.

“The proposed new Pedrina Park soccer facilities will help secure the future of the game within the region by introducing a dedicated full sized soccer pitch complete with competition lighting, as well as two smaller fields as part of a multipurpose oval that will also be built at the site.

“The new pitches will allow Hamilton Soccer Club the chance to develop local talent and competitions, and provide a range of opportunities for the local community to be involved in soccer.

Mr Delahunty said the funding for the project came from the Victorian Government’s Community Facility Funding Program.

“Our investment in this project is part of our plan to build more sustainable venues that make a difference to local people,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Sporting facilities are important community assets and provide a social hub, particularly in regional areas.

“This is just one way we are delivering on the Victorian Government’s strategy to grow the economy, build infrastructure and contribute to the health and wellbeing of the State,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty thanked funding partners Southern Grampians Shire Council and the Hamilton Soccer Club for developing the project and for their collective contribution of over $395,000.

For more information about community sporting facility funding programs on offer, please visit www.sport.vic.gov.au