Football community embraces new Torquay home

THE spirt of the Surf Coast FC community was high on Friday afternoon as players, parents and families joined government officials to open the Grant Pavilion’s new extension.

The new $2.1 million grandstand and social space for Surf Coast FC was heavily funded by a $2 million contribution from the Victorian government, alongside a $100,000 cash injection from the club itself.

Surf Coast FC president Brett King was proud of the finished project which consists of the social room and elevated tiered seating overlooking the three pitches at Banyul Warri Fields, a canteen, kitchen, administrative space and storage.

“We’ve just started using the pavilion,” Mr King said.

“We had a game last Saturday with 40 people seated in the grandstand, and another 30 standing at the back.

“There was great involvement from the fans, while we also had the clubrooms open and had kids playing in there while their parents watched the game.

“It was one of the best days the club’s been part of, particularly after the previous two years we had with COVID restrictions.”

Representative for the Victorian government and South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman, said he was happy to see the finished product in-person.

“The Andrews Labor Government is delivering for our growing communities and making sure that everyone gets the chance to be involved in community sports,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“Whether it’s better grounds or making sure women and girls have dedicated change rooms, we’re backing our sporting clubs to grow their ranks and help more people play the sports they love.”

Among the list of new features at Surf Coast FC’s base of operations, Mr King said dedicated female change rooms, the roller door storage for volunteers, and the social space to cater to more than 500 members were the most important improvements for the club.

“We’ve always had great playing facilities and now these clubrooms mean we have a great place to call home. We believe our club has a big role in growing social connections in the community, and this upgrade will help us fulfil that,” he said.

“We can welcome our past players who can view their memorabilia and honour boards in the new social rooms, we can welcome more new members, and we can continue to see our current members connect with each other.

“It will also be great to have a space to host community functions and events, and welcome and entertain sponsors and VIPs.”