A ‘home of football’ in the St George district is one step closer to becoming a reality with J Graham Field at McCarthy Reserve in line for a significant upgrade.
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Federal Member for Barton Nick Varvaris pledged $2 million to provide both McCarthy Reserve and Ador Avenue with the installation of a synthetic outdoor pitch, fencing around playing fields, new lighting and the upgrade of existing buildings with new dressing rooms, storage facilities and canteens.
Both playing fields would also benefit from the installation of 500 aluminium stadium seats.
The money is contingent on the Turnbull coalition government being re-elected on July 2.
St George Football Association, who have almost 10,000 playing members, are keen to use the site as their base in the area.
Mr Varvaris, a SGFA patron, told the Leader the pledge had been in the pipeline for some time.
“It’s something I’ve been literally working on for three years,” he said.
“We’ve been having lots of discussions with the FFA, Football NSW but more in particular the FFA about making the St George region the home of football.
“I know that even from my local government days, fields are something that clubs are in constant need of.”
St George is often referred to as the spiritual home of football in Australia, with the late Johnny Warren and Socceroos legend Tim Cahill enjoying strong ties to the area.
SGFA general manager Craig Kiely thanked Mr Varvaris and said St George had made a major contribution to Australian football.
“We represent such a large and diverse community and this funding will allow us to deliver on much needed improvements to our facilities to match the continued growth and popularity of the game in our district,” he said.
Former Socceroo and SGFA head of football and technical director, Aytek Genc said he was thrilled with the announcement and the benefits the new facility would bring to developing young local players.
“The SGFA continue to produce some the country’s finest football talent and improved facilities ensures that we can provide the best possible environment.”