Drainage upgrade at Budgewoi soccer fields

Drainage works are scheduled to begin in November to upgrade the three Budgewoi Soccer Club fields.

Unfortunately the fields have been unplayable at times over past years but the extensive drainage improvements will guarantee better availability in the future for those using the fields for games and training.

The $300,000 drainage project is the first this year, in addition to several improvements that are already underway including a new digital scoreboard on the main field and upgrading the clubhouse beer garden with a large outdoor LED screen and extra heating.

These projects have come about with the security of a new 20-year lease on the site.

As Budgewoi Soccer Club and grounds sit on Crown land, this new long-term agreement has required several years of negotiation between the State Government and the club’s parent organisation, Wyong Leagues Group.

These discussions culminated this year in the formal execution of a new lease on June 24.

Wyong Leagues Group CEO Ben Coghlan said this was a tremendous result for the licensed club, its members and for the hundreds of soccer players who used the facilities.

“It means that the Group can now more effectively plan and invest in projects that will make a big difference to the club,” he said.

“As one of our first amalgamations, Budgewoi Soccer Club has always been a very important part of our Group.

“It is therefore really pleasing that with the long-term future of the venue now settled, we can focus on a more expansive vision in the planning and development of the club.”

Budgewoi Football Club First Grade Manager Haydn Appo said the club was an institution within the Central Coast sporting community.

“This investment by Wyong Leagues Group further demonstrates their clear commitment to a bright future for not only our club’s players, officials and volunteers but also those from visiting teams and the football community on the Coast,” he said.