Game on for soccer upgrades

PLEASANT Street Reserve’s soccer fields are set to be improved with upgrades on the way as part of State and municipal funding effort.

Two senior and one junior pitch will be redeveloped alongside drainage and irrigation works with the aim of enhancing the fields.

Ballarat Soccer Club president Lucy Brennan said the upgrades will improve the home conditions for the club’s 280 players.

“We love being here to be united, but on a Sunday when we have to play somewhere else and even for training nights, we lose that camaraderie when we’re not here.

“This is phenomenal for the club. It means that not only are we going to be able to train and play all throughout the season but we’ll attract further players to the club,” she said.

“It’s also going to mean more abilities for us to actually be a united club rather than having everyone scattered everywhere throughout the year.

Additional developments will include fencing and path works, and a coach’s box.

The support comes via $500,000 from the State Government’s World Game Facilities Fund and just over $725,000 from the City of Ballarat.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited the site last week and said the upgrades will ensure the club continues to expand.

“We’ve got the FIFA Women’s World Cup coming next year. We want to encourage more women and girls to play football,” she said.

“We also want to see our juniors having the best facilities available. We’re going to ensure that our soccer players across Ballarat have the facilities they deserve.”