Soccer scoop

By Kelly Yates
CASEY is a step closer to attracting an A-League soccer team to train at Casey Fields after it adopted the Regional Soccer Strategy this week.
The City of Casey, Cardinia Shire and the Shire of Yarra Ranges joined forces with Football Federation Victoria (FFV) to prepare the Regional Soccer Strategy in an effort to cater for the soccer boom in the region.
The Regional Soccer Strategy identified the need for a regional facility in Casey.
Council officers said two new major facilities were needed to service the current and future population.
The sites for the proposed regional facilities are Casey Fields, which will service the needs of the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire, and a site in the south-western area of the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
Council officers proposed that the regional soccer facility in Cranbourne be developed in two stages.
The first part would include facilities such as a high quality turf playing field, room to accommodate about 1000 spectators, a central pavilion and change room facility, two synthetic soccer pitches, a local level turf pitch, and associated car parking, landscaping, fencing and public amenity facilities.
The development of these facilities is considered a medium priority due to the current and planned development of additional soccer facilities at Grices Road, Reema, Oatlands and Sweeney Reserves.
These facilities would be completed within the next six to 10 years.
The council said, however, that they may be developed sooner if there is demand or funding.
Future stages of the Cranbourne sports precinct could also involve the construction of spectator seating for about 4000 people and boutique stadium facilities to support state events such as the men’s and women’s Premier League competitions.
The timing and costs of developing the site will be determined as opportunities arise such as the establishment of regional centres of excellence.
Casey chief executive Mike Tyler told the News that attracting A-League soccer interest was not a key focus of the strategy, however attracting a team to be based in Casey, or to use Casey Fields as a satellite training venue, would be a great coup for the community.
“There are many people in Casey with a love of soccer,” he said.