Newcastle Jets to call Maitland Regional Sports Complex home in 2022/23

The Newcastle Jets are set to call Maitland Regional Sports Complex home in 2022/23, with the club’s A-League Mens side committing to training in Maitland for another year.

The Maitland Regional Athletics Centre, at the Maitland Regional Sports Complex, was officially opened in 2020 with the $10.5 million project including a World Athletics Certified synthetic athletics track, playing field, track and field facilities, floodlighting, a grandstand with capacity of 560, changerooms, canteen, two large function spaces and car parking.

On the opening of the facility, Mayor Loretta Baker advised “one of the key objectives of Council is to ensure that our growing community has the facilities and services it needs. This facility is a welcome addition to the high quality sporting options already available in the city.

“From hosting local clubs and school athletics to drawing major athletics events to the area like zone and regional carnivals, we’re so excited to see the benefits of this facility for the community.”

The Newcastle Jets men’s side made the Maitland Sports Complex their training base in August last year, initially on a temporary basis, but decided to stay for the remainder of the 2021/22 season after being impressed with the facilities.

Maitland City Council anticipate the move will be popular among local Jets fans and have community clinics in the pipeline set to give children the chance to hone their skills alongside both the men’s and women’s sides.

Maitland City Council Coordinator Major Venues and Facilities, Kelly Baldwin said the Jets’ decision to return proves Maitland’s facilities can match it with the best of them.

Baldwin notes “It was great to have the opportunity to bring a professional sporting side to Maitland last year, and we’re even happier the Jets are back for another year.

“The feedback that the facilities and our staff have received from everyone at the Jets has been fantastic and shows how high the standard is for the Regional Sports Complex.

“It’s a testament to the expertise of our ground staff, who are constantly turning over the pitches for football and rugby league and keeping the surface in great condition.”

Newcastle Jets Manager, Arthur Papas was impressed by the facilities last year and said the decision to return was simple.

Papas added “We’re grateful for the support of Maitland City Council and happy to be back in Maitland for this season.

“The decision to return was easy. The surface is perfect for football, the facilities are top of the line, and I know the players enjoy training here just as much as the football staff do.”