A Minns Labor Government will commit $3.7 million in the next term to improve access to soccer facilities and programs on the Central Coast if elected.
The commitment is in conjunction with the Central Coast Mariners who will co-fund the investment to improve grassroots, youth and female access and participation in Central Coast sport.
The commitment will go towards:
- constructing a synthetic playing field in Tuggerah accessible to up to 17,000 local community sport members.
- Contributions to the Central Coast Mariners’ community support programs for at risk youth and disadvantaged adults.
- Funding for modern training facilities for the new Central Coast A-League Women’s team.
There are currently no local synthetic playing fields available for use by the community. This means that there are few pitches in the area that are available year-round with reliable quality, limiting the capacity for both community and professional teams to consistently train.
Record rain in NSW caused havoc for sporting teams, games and training. These fields offer better drainage during weather.
The synthetic pitch will also provide an essential facility for Women’s football and sport on the Central Coast. The Central Coast Mariners have a new A-League Women’s team joining the competition in 2023, directly following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The Central Coast Mariners run a series of programs in schools, PCYC’s and other charitable organisations focusing on helping at-risk youth back on to the right path.
The funding will ensure the Mariners are able to continue this important work.
Quotes attributable to Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader:
“We are proud to partner with the Central Coast Mariners to ensure that there is year-round access to sporting facilities.
“With a new A-League Women’s team coming to the Central Coast we need to guarantee that women are no longer left behind when it comes to access to sports facilities.”
Quotes attributable to David Harris, NSW Shadow Minister for the Central Coast:
“Football is the only sport on the Coast with a team playing in the National League and the new W-League team will be an excellent pathway for our talented young women to springboard into the Matildas and internationally .”
Quotes attributable to Julia Finn, NSW Shadow Minister for Sport:
“It is important that sport participants can have guaranteed access to facilities and this commitment will guarantee year-round access to soccer grounds for the Central Coast.”
Quotes attributable to Sam Boughton, NSW Labor candidate for Terrigal:
“The Central Coast should not be left behind when it comes to sporting infrastructure and I am proud that a Minns Labor Government will work with the Central Coast Mariners to invest in the best facilities for our region.”
Quotes attributable to Richard Peil, Chair of the Central Coast Mariners:
“We are a dedicated community club and this commitment by Chris Minns and NSW Labor will go a long way to making a difference.
“Our community programs will be focused on health, nutrition and lifestyle for kids on the Central Coast.”
Quotes attributable to Shaun Mielekamp, CEO of the Central Coast Mariners:
“This commitment by Chris Minns and NSW Labor is crucial in ensuring our new women’s A-League team gets off to a great start.
“Having a synthetic pitch with year-round access is important for the Central Coast region and ensuring participants can stay fit and healthy.”
CHRIS MINNS MP
NSW LABOR LEADER
DAVID HARRIS MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE CENTRAL COAST
JULIA FINN MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR SPORT AND YOUTH
LIESL TESCH MP
NSW MEMBER FOR GOSFORD
YASMIN CATLEY MP
NSW MEMBER FOR SWANSEA
SAM BOUGHTON
NSW LABOR CANDIDATE FOR TERRIGAL
