NSW Government confirms $5 million to redevelop base for Football NSW

The NSW Government has this week confirmed a $5 million investment into the redevelopment of facilities for Football NSW at Valentine Sports Park in western Sydney.

The announcement by NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley split an $8 million funding commitment for football development in Western Sydney made prior to the last Federal and NSW elections.

Minister Annesley joined Football NSW Chairman, Greg O'Rourke, at the Glenwood site stating "the upgraded headquarters will include administrative and community facilities, refurbishment accommodation, new retail and office space, all of which will greatly benefit sport and the region."

Football NSW's $16 million redevelopment of Valentine Sports Park will see the installation of three all-weather artificial turf football pitches, as well as a complete upgrade of the existing Futsal courts, allowing for the game to be played in all weather conditions, both indoor or outdoor.

The existing accommodation at Valentine Sports Park will also be upgraded, providing opportunities for players from country NSW, interstate and overseas to be housed on-site.

Further to the redevelopment of the facility will be the learning centres, allowing for enhanced coach and player education at a specially designed football facility.

Minister Annesley added "these improvements will allow national level teams to use the venue as a training base, and potentially it could be a training site or base camp for teams in the AFC Asian Cup in 2015."

O'Rourke advised that the redevelopment will realise Football NSW's vision of delivering a world class football, sporting, educational and community precinct to cater for future growth of the sport.

He explained "planning for the project is already underway, with work scheduled to be completed in March 2014."

O'Rourke added "Football NSW is grateful for the support of the NSW Government, Minister Annesely and ClubsNSW for their support of the redevelopment of Valentine Sports Park.

"Developing an iconic facility that reflects and embraces football culture, integrates within the site, is functional, increases the user's football experience in a sustainable manner in servicing the football community are Football NSW's intentions with this project."

Local primary and secondary schools and students as well as other sporting clubs and community groups such as the Indigenous community, athletes with a disability, new immigrants will also benefit from football's new and improved headquarters in Sydney's West.

Football NSW will commence a detailed design process for the redevelopment of the Valentine Sports Park precinct with the facility remaining open for use throughout the construction period.

5th April 2012 - FOOTBALL NSW WELCOMES INVESTMENT INTO VALENTINE SPORTS PARK 

19th August 2010 - LABOR BACKS WESTERN SYDNEY FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT