SA Premier to open new hub for soccer in south

The Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, has accepted an invitation from the City of Marion to open the new home for soccer in the south today (April 30).

The Southern Soccer Facility on Majors Road at Trott Park features three turf pitches with sports lighting - with space for a fourth pitch - plus a new clubroom and an extensive car park.

It is the new home of the Cove Football (Soccer) Club which will be playing its first game at the facility in the afternoon with its men’s team taking on Modbury Vista in the State League 2 and its women’s team competing against Elizabeth Grove in the Women’s State League.

The City of Marion has contributed $4.75 million towards this $7.45 million Southern Soccer Facility so it can meet the growing demand for soccer pitches in the south.

The State Government has contributed $2.5 million, and the project has been supported by the Australian Government through a $200,000 Community Sport Infrastructure Grant managed by Sport Australia.

“I can recall meeting with the then South Australian Treasurer, Tom Koutsantonis, about this project six years ago,” Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna said.

“Mr Koutsantonis’s passion for soccer and this particular project was matched by his surprise that Marion Council was willing and able to match any State Government funding.

“Funding was indeed set aside in the 2016-17 State Budget and now the dream is a reality here at the Southern Soccer Facility.

“Soccer is continuing to grow in popularity. In Australia, it has strong participation rates, increasingly so among women and diverse ethnic communities.

“For many years Cove Football Club had to make do with a single pitch. With their huge growth in player numbers, they well and truly outgrew their previous home ground.

“Now they have three pitches, room for a fourth, and a facility that is accessible to the wider community.

“With State Government help we have created a wonderful recreation precinct here along Majors Road. There are several great facilities including Riding for the Disabled, the Sam Willoughby International BMX facility and the adventure playground (now under construction) at Glenthorne National Park.”

Saturday’s opening kicks off with a MiniRoos Gala Competition in the morning with special guests invited to an official launch ceremony.

Photo: Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, left, with Cove FC President Dave Brain and the Mayor of Marion, Kris Hanna. Member for Davenport Erin Thompson is pictured right, in the background.

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