A new road leading to the $26 million State Centre of Football at Gepps Cross has officially opened with its name paying homage to the precinct’s exciting future and women in football.
Matildas Drive will provide access to the fantastic new facility which is set to play a key role in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as a world-class training facility.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard said the name of the new road reflects the Marshall Government’s commitment to women’s sport – from grassroots through to elite level competition.
“The Matildas have inspired the next generation of young girls to start playing the ‘world game’ and we’ve responded to this increased demand by building a dedicated space where players of all ages and abilities can participate and compete,” Minister Wingard said.
“Given the huge impact that our national women’s football team has had on involvement in the sport, it’s only fitting that this is recognised within the State Sports Park area.
“We’ll also see the Young Matildas using the new complex as a training ground ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the facility will have the capacity to host other national and international training and events going forward.
“There’s serious potential for the next Sam Kerr to be discovered right here!”
Once complete, the State Centre of Football will feature 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, gymnasium, change rooms and 10 outdoor five-a-side pitches.
Football SA CEO Michael Carter said it was fantastic to see the project nearing completion.
“The State Centre of Football is a substantial development for the game in the state and comes off the back of a significant commitment to the upgrade of community-based club facilities,” Mr Carter said.
“The football community will be very proud to have an international standard facility that will cater for grassroots right through to the professional game.”
Matildas Drive will service both the State Centre of Football and the new girls’ campus at Roma Mitchell Secondary College, where in another coup for female participation in sport, its students will have access to the football facilities.
This project forms part of the State Sports Park development – an integrated, multi-use community and elite sports hub that is greener, more accessible and more welcoming.
The City of Port Adelaide Enfield will take over the road as part of its local road network once the Centre has opened.
