$46 million State Football Centre vested to VenuesWest and managed by Football West

The Western Australian Government has announced that Football West will manage the day-to-day running of the $46 million State Football Centre, including the management of commercial sponsorships while VenuesWest will own the asset on behalf of the State Government and assist Football West through the co-management agreement and oversee ongoing maintenance of the asset.

The State Football Centre, located in Queens Park, is close to completion and is expected to be one of two venue specific training sites used by teams competing in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

The arrangement means that Football West now has a space in the State that the sport can call 'home'. The facility will be a Centre of Excellence for Football West talent squads and a home for community football programs, referees, regions and coaches.

The vestment of the State Football Centre with VenuesWest, brings the number of venues in their portfolio to 14, with this venue the first to be solely dedicated to football.

VenuesWest own and manage 13 other sport and entertainment venues on behalf of the Western Australia Government, including Perth’s RAC Arena and Optus Stadium.

The State Football Centre is located on a 16 hectare site and includes a two-storey building with a grandstand, two competition pitches and training pitches, on-site parking, and three 5-a-side playing pitches.

The $45.96 million investment has been jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments, with $29 million being provided by the Western Australian Government.

Football West Chairman Sherif Andrawes enthused "Football West is very excited that the State Football Centre is nearing its open date and in time for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

"Football in Western Australia has waited more than 120 years to have a place to call home, and this will be a game changer for our sport. We would like to thank both the State and Federal Government for the investment required to make this a reality.

"We look forward to working with VenuesWest as we look to cement football as the No.1 participation sport in Western Australia."

WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman adds "Western Australia has a thriving football community, and the development of facilities like these provide incredible opportunities for more people to get involved in grassroots sport.

"The collaboration between VenuesWest and Football West will provide a unique opportunity for football in Western Australia and enable development of the sport from grassroots programs to high performance teams."

International and A-League football matches will continue to be held at HBF Park or Optus Stadium, with occasional lower-capacity special events to be held at the State Football Centre.

Image: VenuesWest CEO David Etherton, VenuesWest Chairwoman Mary Anne Stephens, WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman, Football West Chairman Sherif Andrawes and Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell at their recent State Football Centre visit. Credit: Football West