Liverpool Council unveils new facility
The $3 million combined AFL/cricket facility will allow the AFL to expand its suite of programs in the high-growth area to include School and Community Auskick, AFL Gala Days and the modified social football game of AFL 9s.
The AFL has worked closely with Liverpool Council for more than three years on the project and has committed $125,000 towards its development.
Joseph La Posta, AFL NSW/ACT Planning & Operations Manager said he was delighted to see the project completed.
“It is terrific to see this venue finished. The commitment shown by Liverpool Council to invest in sporting facilities is first class,” he said.
“Our team at AFL NSW/ACT firmly believes that high quality environments will assist in attracting and retaining new families and participants to our growing game.
“We’re delighted to partner with Liverpool Council and achieve a high quality facility in a gateway location to the expanding areas within South Western Sydney.”
Located at the gateway to SW Sydney and adjacent to the M5 motorway, the location will provide maximum exposure for the game in the area and is easily accessible to the surrounding region.
The growth at the local club, the South West Tigers, has led to the demand for the AFL to partner with the Council to invest in this important strategic facility. On the opening day of the facility, AFL NSW/ACT was inundated with junior registrations
Dean Connors, Manager for Greater Western Sydney says he is confident Term 4 & Term 1 AFL clinics will lead to the growth of a new junior club at the venue in 2013.
“On Saturday alone we had 48 registrations of interest to join our new Auskick Program at the venue,” he said.
“We really believe that engaging these families and other new families in the surrounding suburb will help us create a new AFL club at the venue in the next 1-2 years.
“We have some terrific game development staff working closely with the surrounding schools Prestons Public School, St Francis Primary and Lurnea High School to help grow the game and drive an increase in participation in the Liverpool LGA.”