The venue has been a hub of activity since it commenced operation in mid-April this year.

The Gepps Cross venue is equipped to host all levels of competition, from grassroots through to elite. It has hosted a camp with the Junior Matildas and will be used as a training ground by the Young Matildas ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The State Centre of Football features a show pitch with a 1,000-seat grandstand, a two-storey administration and function centre for Football SA, two full size synthetic floodlit training pitches, football museum, change rooms and 10 outdoor five-a-side pitches.

The project received $19 million in funding from the previous State Labor Government.

This project is a crucial part of the ongoing State Sports Park development – an integrated, multi-use community and elite sports hub that is greener, more accessible and more welcoming.

Other recent builds within this precinct include the Roma Mitchell Secondary College girls’ campus parking, new roads (including Matildas Drive) and parking amenities.

Quotes attributable to Katrine Hildyard

I am thrilled about the opportunities the facility presents to make sport more accessible to more people.

This is a world-class community sports hub which has been designed to support the growing popularity of football for many years to come.

I’m particularly excited about how the Centre will help grow female participation in the world game. Next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup provides a once in a generation opportunity to leave a legacy for the sport in South Australia and for our community.

Having the Young Matildas and other international teams showcase their talent here will inspire girls and boys to pursue their sporting dreams.  And having this facility will enable more people to enjoy all of the benefits that sport brings – that wonderful sense of belonging and an opportunity to improve physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

Quotes attributable to Michael Carter, Chief Executive Officer, Football SA

The State Centre of Football is a great example of a facility that is catering for the grassroots all the way to the elite level of the game. The football family have embraced the venue as have the wider community.

Officially opening the venue today is a major milestone and we are all very appreciative of the State Government’s commitment to the code.