FOOTBALL Federation Tasmania (FFT) says it is excited with this year’s soccer season which is already underway and which sees plenty of boys and girls hitting local grounds to kick the round ball.
FFT CEO John Boulous said that whether it was called football or soccer, the world game was huge in Tasmania, and growing.
Wentworth Park is one of the state's premier football facilities and is home to many games – men's, women's and juniors – each weekend.
“We see it as a good problem to have.
“The Eastern Shore is a huge area for football and a huge growth area. Three senior clubs – Nelson, Clarence United and Olympia Warriors – and the Eastern Region Junior Soccer Association are based on the Eastern Shore.
“Wentworth Park is one of the state’s premier football facilities and is home to many games – men’s, women’s and juniors – each weekend,” Mr Bolous said.
But as any player or parent knows, once the Tasmanian winter kicks in, matches are often cancelled due to waterlogged pitches and mud bowls. Playing football on a boggy pitch can ruin the ground for weeks to come.
Mr Boulous said FFT had identified facilities as its number one priority for improvement.
“Football desperately needs more grounds – and better grounds – so that we can keep our 14,000 players across the state playing football.
“Local footballers will be familiar with Warrane’s Warrior Park – Tasmania’s first FIFA-approved new generation artificial football pitch that plays just like grass and allows for play all year round with minimal wear. No cancellations – no mud – no worries,” he said.
FFT is looking to turn one of the many pitches at Wentworth Park into an artificial pitch for all-year regular use. It has invested in a bid for Regional Development Australia (RDA) funding and also applied to the world body, FIFA for funds.
“Hobart’s football community deserves it. Wentworth Park is ideal for this type of development and has the support of the Clarence City Council to progress the replacement of one of the grounds.
“Wentworth Park is an important venue for several sports – including Cricket and Touch Football – and FFT is keen to work with these sports to ensure everyone wins from these developments,” Mr Boulous said.
“We appreciate any feedback and look forward to working with all stakeholders using Wentworth Park to get the best facility possible to ensure that we can all play our respective sports in the wettest season of the year.
“While, Wentworth has been unsuccessful in obtaining RDA funding to date, FFT is looking to strengthen the application and re-submit a proposal which we are hoping will get the go ahead,” he said.
For more information contact FFT on 6273 3299.
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