Shellharbour Swans’ big kick
The Shellharbour Swans’ first kick of the Sherrin at their new multi-million dollar home ground at the Myiambarr Wetlands will be one to remember after the Sydney Swans paid them a flying visit this week.
Shellharbour’s own Swans have packed up their club and moved to the new first-class facilities where their Sydney counterparts hosted a NAB Superclinic for hundreds of kids.
The new $15 million Myiambarr Wetlands has quickly become the new sporting hub of the Shellharbour region with the Swans sharing the new facilities with soccer, athletics and rugby.
With new lighting, amenities, canteen and three playing fields, the ground will be suitable for games and training to be scheduled at night.
Shellharbour Council’s Mick Fields and David Jesson have worked tirelessly for the last 12 months to grant AFL access to the ground.
“AFL NSW/ACT has done a great job in negotiating with the council what is a great outcome for all parties involved,” Jesson said.
“The Shellharbour Swans have a home ground now that is first-rate, the surface is a-grade, they have all of the facilities they need to get the skills of the game and train themselves up.
“The growth [of the game] in the junior ranks, and in the senior ranks, has been nothing short than spectacular over the last couple of seasons – there’s been huge interest in AFL.
“I think communities are embracing the concept of another code in NSW and in the Illawarra. The objective of the council is to satisfy the growing demand.”
With the new playing and training facilities it is hoped the game will be a viable option for juniors looking to progress through to senior grades.
AFL NSW/ACT Facilities Manager Joseph La Posta said the Shellharbour Swans’ new ground will help the club attract more players to the game.
“Seeing AFL on Myiambarr is a wonderful outcome for the continued growth of our great game within the Shellharbour area and greater Illawarra,” La Posta said. “The venue is brand new and has excellent exposure within the township.
“It is important to acknowledge the tireless efforts of club volunteers Steve Ashworth and Mark Gillespie from the Shellharbour Swans Junior AFL Club.
“Also special thanks must be extended to Illawarra AFL NSW/ACT Game Development Manager Dave Johnson who played a key role in the acquisition of this venue.
“The fact this all came to fruition reinforces the importance of the game’s volunteers and also the support that AFL NSW/ACT can provide community football clubs throughout NSW and the ACT.”