World game's new home open at Lake Macquarie


2nd October 2020

Lake Macquarie’s grassroots football community is kicking goals with a new multi-purpose building featuring state-of-the-art LED lighting and new female-friendly change rooms.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian officially opened the second stage of the $14.5 million Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility at Speers Point today.

“Football’s home at Lake Macquarie is now even better,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This world-class facility at Speers Point will cater for grassroots to elite footballers.

“NSW will welcome the world’s best female footballers in 2023 and we hope young Lake Macquarie locals will be inspired to emulate the heroes they see training at this facility.”

Following Australia’s successful bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, the facility has been nominated as a Team Base Camp for the tournament.

The recently completed $3 million Stage Two received a $2.25m grant from the State Government's Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund.

It consists of 14 synthetic pitches, including two full-sized fields, change rooms, meeting rooms, a cafe and administration complex.

Acting Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility highlights the NSW Government’s commitment to improving the quality and quantity of sports venues in regional areas.

“We want the best for our regional communities and I can’t wait to see how much they love the latest upgrades to the fantastic Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility,” Mr Toole said.

“High quality sports infrastructure enables our communities to attract events to their regions which in turn attract visitors and encourage spending in regional communities. The flow on effect is employment and stronger regional economies.”

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the facility will give our grassroots and elite footballers the platform to be the best they can be while having fun in superb surrounds.

“Northern NSW football has a rich history, producing some of Australia’s greatest footballers, including former Liverpool star Craig Johnston, former Matildas Captain Cheryl Salisbury, ex-Socceroo Craig Foster and current Matilda Emily Van-Egmond,” Mr Lee said.

“The Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility will ensure the region continues to be a breeding ground for Australia’s future football talent.”

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said the facility would provide tremendous health and economic benefits to Lake Macquarie.

“It’s fantastic that we have a facility here in Lake Macquarie that will attract young players into football, but even better that we have something that will allow them to train and compete at an elite level,” Mr Piper said.

“Not only is it great to have a world-class facility to house Northern NSW Football, it’s also a facility that others in the community can use.

“It’s been great to have the state government support this facility with substantial funding from the start through to this point and to have the Premier come along for the official opening has been wonderful.”

CEO of Northern NSW Football David Eland said the NSW Government’s latest investment has significantly increased the Home of Football’s capacity and accessibility.

“The facility is testament to what can be achieved when sport and government work together,” Mr Eland said.

“Northern NSW Football and Football NSW are committed to collaborating with the NSW Government through the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy to address the acute need for investment in football facilities throughout NSW to better meet the needs of the ever increasing number of females choosing to play Australia’s largest club based sport.”

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