Getting greener at St Georges Reserve

THE two sand profile pitches of Sebastopol’s St Georges Reserve are looking fresh, covered with new turf ahead of next year’s soccer season kick off.

Funded through a $1.4 million investment from City of Ballarat, with the support of the State government’s sports loan program, the Vikings Football Club’s home ground is also receiving full irrigation, new fencing, coaches’ boxes and lights.

City of Ballarat South Ward councillor, Des Hudson said the facility’s much needed repairs have been ongoing for the last 12 months, and the Vikings are looking forward to running out onto the pitches in 2020.

“For current members that are playing here, they’ll have improved fields to play on, but also it will hopefully grow clubs for both males and females,” he said.

“When you’ve got junior kids running out, they’re going to feel 10 foot tall. They can be like their idols and really enjoy coming here, playing the game.”

Turf construction and management company, Pitchcraft is rolling out the turf which Cr Hudson said is of top quality.

“They’ve delivered some great surfaces. The comparison here would be the stadium pitch at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility.

“We believe the quality will be as good as that once the grass has grown and it’s knitted together,” he said.

Vikings Football Club’s Sam Young said his committee can’t thank council and the State government enough.

“It’s just really good for the local soccer community having another A-class facility. It’s exciting times,” Mr Young said.

St Georges is the first soccer ground council is investing in over the next couple of years.