Soccer players in the region can look forward to playing on a better surface with a new $2.25 million synthetic pitch at the Harvest Home Road Recreation Reserve in Epping.
The City of Whittlesea contributed $1.75 million towards the project, while Sport and Recreation Victoria made $500,000 available from its World Game Facilities Fund.
The redevelopment delivered a new synthetic playing surface with improved drainage, fencing and the latest sports lighting technology.
The synthetic turf is made from 100 per cent Australian yarn manufactured in Victoria, while the pitch’s rubber underlay is made from end-of-life tyre granules.
The FIFA-accredited pitch replaces one installed in 2008 that no longer matched the needs of tenant Whittlesea Ranges Football Club or the wider community.
City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said although the municipality already had one of the highest soccer participation rates in the state, there was still room for growth.
“Council is proud to be investing in the health and wellbeing of its residents and we are grateful to the Victorian Government for its support in this important project,” he said.
“The investment in top-class facilities like this in Epping will help attract more people to the sport.
“Whether they’re people just looking to have a kick with friends, or dreaming of glittering representative careers, they will be catered for.”
Council’s Active Whittlesea Strategy 2019-2028 identified a lack of suitable facilities as a crucial barrier to female participation in organised sport.
“I know Whittlesea Ranges FC is committed to growing both its female and junior programs and this new pitch will definitely help with that,” Mr Lloyd said.
