Wayne Conder of Sherbrooke Rangers Junior Soccer Club, Casey mayor Colin Butler, Minister for Sport and Recreation James Merlino, Yarra Ranges Shire councillor Samantha Dunn and Barry Adshead from Monbulk Soccer Club.WITH the number of soccer fans growing by the day in Victoria, the State Government has announced a boost to the game at a local level.
Minister for Sport and Recreation James Merlino last week announced $20,000 funding to secure the future of soccer across Casey, Cardinia Shire and the Yarra Ranges Shire.
“Soccer is one of the hottest sports in town and demand for good local soccer facilities is particularly strong in the (three councils),” he said.
The boom in soccer comes on the back of the Socceroos performance in last year’s World Cup and Melbourne Victory’s A-League win.
Mr Merlino said it was important these communities started planning to ensure soccer continued to thrive at the grassroots level.
“It is vital we get the strategy right, so the sport remains a strong and integral part of these local communities in the years to come,” he said.
“In Casey alone, 158 teams are affiliated with 12 clubs, which all play on a total of 23 local soccer fields.”
The three councils are already working on a strategy to maintain the number of people currently playing soccer, as well as finding new ways to increase participation rates.
Mr Merlino said the grant was about helping local sports – often the cornerstone of our communities – thrive, not just survive.
Casey mayor Colin Butler said the strategy would provide exciting opportunities for children to play a sport they loved.
“We may even produce some home-grown stars of our own,” he said.
