Sports Technology

Wollongong City Council has commenced work on the first synthetic turf field for football at the Ian McLennan Park Sports Field, Kembla Grange.

The project, which is expected to cost $2.753 million and includes financial contribution from Football South Coast, will see the construction of a new artificial turf field, lighting and associated works at Ian McLennan Park.

Announcing the commencement of works, Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery stated “this is the first synthetic field to be constructed in the city for football. It will be constructed to Fédération Internationale de Football Association - FIFA -  standards and will provide long term benefits to sports people of all ages in the city.

“Ian McLennan Park was identified as the best site which will see great opportunities for the development of local junior players as well as providing a potential training and competition base for current and future national teams.

“Football is Australia’s biggest participation sport with more than 1.5 million participants - including 402,000 female participants - at all junior and senior levels. And there may well be more football players following the World Cup.

“Council is committed to providing sports venues which encourage sports participation to help create a healthier and liveable city.”

Football South Coast Chairman Eddy De Gabriele added “synthetic fields are becoming increasingly popular to cater for high use and periods of wet weather and Football South Coast is extremely proud to be part of this project which will result in the first ever football synthetic pitch in the region.

“The new pitch will also enhance the quality and frequency of games played at the venue and will be used for various programs and competition games for football, schools and the wider community. We would also like to thank Wollongong City Council and the NSW Government via Clubgrants Category 3 Funding who have assisted with funding for this milestone project.

"We would also like to acknowledge South Coast United FC for working with Football South Coast in ensuring the facility will be used by the wider community, while the club will remain a key user of the facility.”

The project began in June 2018 and is expected to be complete by January 2019, weather permitting.

The project will include:

• Synthetic turf field to main field to comply with all FIFA and Football NSW requirements
• LED lighting to synthetic turf field, the natural turf field, and the junior natural turf field
• Sportsfield fencing around the synthetic field
• Installation of player dugouts for the synthetic turf field and 
• Installation of fencing around Ian McLennan Park.

Image: Anne-Marie Balliana and Eddy De Gabriele from Football South Coast, join with Gareth Ward, Member for Kiama, and Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery as works begin on Ian McLennan Park, the first synthetic pitch in the Wollongong local government area.

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