A Minns Labor Government would 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 would co-fund the investment to improve grassroots, youth and female access and participation in Central Coast sport.
According to the commitment the money would 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, outside commercial operators. 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 throughout 2023 has caused havoc for sporting teams, games and training. Artificial grass fields offer better drainage during most weather conditions.
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 contingent on Labor winning the March state election would ensure the Mariners are able to continue this important work.
Primary source: Media statements and interview Chris Minns NSW Labor office, January 14, 2023.