By Kelly Yates
DISCUSSIONS are continuing with various peak bodies to explore the possibility of attracting Melbourne’s second professional soccer team to Casey Fields.
Casey chief executive Mike Tyler told the News the council was talking with Football Federation Victoria, Football Federation Australia and Melbourne Heart, believed to be the name of the new soccer team.
Mr Tyler said having an A League soccer team based in the municipality would bring community pride to the area.
“The elite players would act as role models,” he said.
Mr Tyler said it was too premature to speculate on whether he believed the council could successfully attract an A League soccer team.
Casey council will be establishing a committee of council responsible for potentially attracting the team which will consist of mayor Geoff Ablett, councillors Kevin Bradford, Amanda Stapledon and Simon Curtis, relevant council officers and representatives from the Casey Comets Football Club and possibly other local soccer teams.
The committee will report back to council in camera on a regular basis as the project progresses.
Cr Curtis said he was happy to attract as much elite sports to the municipality as permits.
“We have a world class facility at Casey Fields fit for elite sports,” he said.
The council adopted its Regional Soccer Strategy back in May, with the City of Casey teaming up with Cardinia Shire, the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the FFV to cater for the soccer boom in the region.
