Football West welcomes the announcement today from Prime Minister Scott Morrison that the Coalition will commit $16.25 million towards a State Football Centre should they win this month’s Federal Election.
The Prime Minister made the announcement at Maniana Park in Queens Park, next to the site of the proposed State Football Centre.
“This will become a place, not only where the kids will play on these great fields but for elite training facilities and the administration,” he said.
“And not only the development of the great talents of the future, but to see major international teams coming and training here. And for these kids to see the greats of men’s and women’s football from all around the world come and be here for a period of time.
“Also there will be games here locally. It will be great for the code and great for this community.”
Football West Chairman Sherif Andrawes described the Prime Minister’s announcement as “a game changer”.
“It’s a facility that’s really important. There are a lack of facilities in general in Western Australia for a sport that’s growing phenomenally,” he said.
“What it will mean for us is that it will give us a complete administration centre and a training facility for the State teams, grassroots and for Perth Glory.
“One thing that’s important for us is Asian engagement and to bring in countries and teams in from all over Asia, and Europe as well. We’ll certainly have a facility here that will be able to host teams from Asia, from Europe and the State as well.”
Mr Andrawes said he recently saw the Pararoos squad – Australia’s national seven-a-side team for players with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms acquired from stroke – in camp at the New South Wales State Centre.
“There are lot of WA players in the Pararoos side and it would be great to have them here,” he said.
“We’re very excited what this means in the southern corridor here, what it means for WA and what it means for Perth. We’re very grateful.”
Football West CEO James Curtis said: “This is an exciting and welcome development and it is great to have the support of the Prime Minister and the Liberal Party.
“The investment for the State Football Centre is a significant step forward for the game in WA.
“The facility will provide a much needed home for our community and development programs, a training facility for Perth Glory and a facility that will support the talent pathways for female and male players throughout Western Australia.
“This facility will also play a key role in our football development exchange within the Asian region and provide opportunities for the next generation of football stars within the region.”
