Football’s the winner in Ryde
There’s fantastic news for every football player, coach, referee and volunteer in Ryde, with City of Ryde Council signing off on a joint $5.5 million investment in three synthetic fields to be done by Turf One, to be built at ELS Hall and Christie Park.
It’s a brilliant outcome for the sport and all local residents, with grassroots and elite footballers alike benefitting from the provision of world-class facilities within the next two years, including the establishment of a Football Centre of Excellence, featuring two full-size synthetic fields, at Christie Park, the home of Gladesville-Hornsby Football Association.
“GHFA are thrilled and excited” said GHFA Chair Helen Armson.
“Christie Park is home for our Association (14,000 players) and Spirit Representative Teams who compete in PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 2 competition across NSW. We are looking forward to playing on a flat, even surface that promotes great football in any weather conditions.
“The current GHFA Board thank City of Ryde staff and Councillors along with previous members of the GHFA Board and interested parties who have worked tirelessly over many years to make this a reality.”
City of Ryde Mayor, Councillor Jerome Laxale, acknowledged the Council’s commitment to ELS Hall and Christie Park and stated the decision was a long time coming for the sport "I am proud that one of our last acts as the City of Ryde was to finally resolve to build synthetic fields for our community.
“Since becoming Mayor, I was determined to ensure that this project be delivered and I am over the moon that Council unanimously resolved to do so.
“Three Synthetic fields in Ryde will revolutionise our sporting infrastructure. Teams will have more time for training, players will improve their skills with level and consistent fields, and less games will be called off due to wet weather."
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Roy Maggio also expressed his delight with this ground-breaking decision. “Back in 2012, I recall initiating a vision for synthetic surfaces in the City of Ryde and now finally look forward to this becoming a reality at Christie Park 1 and 2 and ELS Hall Park 1.
“As the Deputy Mayor, I am immensely proud of this achievement and commend all those who actively collaborated in support of this to fruition.”
Football NSW’s Head of Communications, Facilities & Government Relations Ricardo Piccioni stated it was a fantastic day for the round ball game.
“This is a wonderful announcement for the sport within a very passionate football area, and we wholeheartedly thank City of Ryde Council for their efforts in getting this project approved. The two local Associations, GHFA and NW Sydney Women’s Football, together with senior clubs Gladesville Ryde Magic and Gladesville Ravens have worked tirelessly to achieve this goal.
“We at Football NSW are really delighted for the 17,000 plus members in the Ryde area and hope these new facilities will further boost these healthy player numbers and help develop a number of future Socceroos and Matildas.”
Work is set to start on ELS Hall in September this year, with the first stage of the Christie Park re-development due for completion by March 2018.
