New $14m soccer administration and training facility proposed for Gepps Cross

* Val Migliaccio
* From: The Advertiser
* February 25, 2010 2:40PM


FOOTBALL Federation South Australia chief executive Michael Carter has unveiled the blueprint to keep domestic game thriving and hand Adelaide United a potential home training base.

Carter said the $14.7 million proposal - the Northern Suburbs Community Football Facility - has been approved in principal by the Football Federation Australia.

And the Minister for Sport and Recreation Michael Wright stated the State Government was aware of the proposal and was considering the FFSA's submission.

Carter said 65 out of the 70 FFSA's member clubs were at full participant capacity with the new project set to cope with the demand and growth of the game.

The FFSA currently has 22,000 registered participants, have experienced a 6 per cent growth this year and is expecting more children to play the game after the FIFA World Cup this year.

The FFSA was lobbying the State Government for the funding.



Carter said the FFSA would be self sufficient once the project was approved.

"We are seeking State Government funding," Carter said.

"The business case suggests it would be a viable project that would not require further government funding."

The plan also was initially endorsed by United's chief executive Sam Ciccarello and would be added value to the Gepps Cross Soccer School Carter added.

"This isn't going to take the place of Hindmarsh Stadium," Carter said.

"We will still use Hindmarsh for all major events."

The facility is to be based at Gepps Cross' State Sports Park.

The FFSA would house its administration at Gepps Cross with the development including five playing field - a major event pitch with floodlighting and grandstand, a secondary natural turf pitch with lighting, two futsal courts and a function facility.

Carter said the facility would be able to host World Cup teams as a training facility, federation fixtures, elite national and international soccer events.

The facility would possibly also be United's training venue for its seniors, youth team, women's team and academy teams Carter said.

"We've had discussions with Sam (Ciccarello) and Adelaide United and we'd be open to that."
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/new-soccer-facility-proposed-for-gepps-cross/story-e6frecj3-1225834387080