The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania
Football Federation of Tasmania
For Immediate Release: May 11, 2007
Hobart Showground becomes home for fast growing football code
The Football Federation Tasmania (FFT) and the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of the Showground as a major base for football – both for football administration and as a hub for training and match purposes.
A relationship between the two organisations developed three years ago with the arena at the Showground becoming a venue for soccer training. Now the relationship has deepened further.
The Chief Executive Officer of FFT, Martin Shaw, says the Federation is looking to establish an administrative base for football in Tasmania at the Showground, together with a complex of four playing fields on the arena. He says the growth in the game is phenomenal and the Federation needs more playing fields in southern Tasmania, and more infrastructure to cater for a growing number of football development programs.
The Chief Executive Officer of the RAST, Philip Le Grove, says the MoU recognises the FFT’s desire to establish its administration base at the Showground, and the need to develop a plan for greater use of the arena, main grandstand, changing and ablution areas, and public viewing areas.
Mr. Shaw said the FFT wanted four playing fields established on the arena instead of the current three. One of the four fields would be an artificial, all weather training and playing pitch. The existing lighting on the arena would be customised to meet our needs.
“Football in Tasmania has been growing by about six percent per annum for the last five or six years,” he said. “Last year, our junior over 13’s competition fielded 88 teams. This year, an extra 20 teams have come on board.” Under 12 soccer is experiencing the same growth figures, and the Federation is now responsible for increasing numbers of development programs which require training and playing venues.
“Football needs an area where it can have a number of fields at the one venue, together with the ancillary infrastructure such as parking, dressing rooms, and viewing areas. We also need an area which is demographically central, and the Showground meets all these criteria.”
Mr. Le Grove said that a joint working group has been established under the MoU. He said the growing importance of the Showground as a football venue would not affect the Royal Hobart Show, the Sunday Market, or the many other major activities which take place at the Showground.
For further information: Mr. Shaw on 62 733 299, and Mr. Le Grove on 62 726 812
