AusLeisure

The City of Greater Geelong's new $2 million multi-purpose synthetic pitch at Norlane's Leisuretime Centre has been officially opened.

Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren joined Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood to officially light up the new regional facility earlier this month.

The new pitch is one of just a few of its kind in Victoria and is expected to cater to a boom in football's growing popularity, with the north of Geelong having the fastest growing football participation in Victoria.

The new facility features a full-size FIFA-standard outdoor synthetic pitch and LED flood-lighting, which is expected to help clubs train, play matches and support regional programs and pathways.

The pitch also has the versatility to be used for a range of emerging sports and activities.

Designed to complement the surrounding parkland, the pitch features nearly 7,000 metre² of playing surface and has removable goals, allowing multiple groups to use the space at the same time. It also features players' and officials shelters and storage areas.

The project was funded jointly by the City of Greater Geelong ($1.4 million) and the Victorian Government ($600,000).

Commenting on the new facility, Mayor Harwood advised “soccer participation is growing faster in Geelong's north than anywhere else in the state, so this pitch is a real win for the local community.

“Because it's not aligned to a particular club, it can be booked and used by anyone, meaning it will benefit the entire region.” 

Images: Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren [centre] at the opening of the multi-purpose synthetic pitch at Norlane's Leisuretime Centre (top) and the new playing surface (below).

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