There’s plenty of elation and excitement with the news that $500,000 has been allocated towards better irrigation and drainage at Kyneton’s Barkly Square, the home of Kyneton District Soccer Club.
Last week the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Minister, Ros Spence, announced $500,000 for Barkly Square was one of 10 applications approved in the third round of the $20 million World Game Facilities Fund.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council submitted a comprehensive submission to the ‘World Game’ fund, having recognised the glaring inadequacies of the Barkly Square surface for some years.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said is was very pleasing the state government was providing the much-needed $500,000, with the council having already made provision for its $250,000 contribution ($2 for $1 grant).
“This funding will make a huge difference to our club, and our junior/female football program in particular through the provision of safer and more inclusive infrastructure upgrade,” long serving KDSC president Ron Cole said.
Relocating games and curtailing training has been a real bug-bear for the district club due to the ground lacking proper drainage.
Kyneton was selected as Football Victoria’s Regional Club of the Year for 2021, despite its ground difficulties.
Long awaited new lights installed just over a year ago have been a major boost.
Mr Cole and the committee are far happier than they were when they missed out on federal government funding several years ago, heavily criticising the “sports rorts” program overseen by then Sports Minister Senator Bridget McKenzie.
In a submission, the club called on the government to “to stop using sporting clubs for political gain”.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the $500,000 allocation, the maximum available from the fund.
Barkly Square was one of 10 soccer venues to share in $3.4 million. The fourth and final round of funding is now open for applications.
Since 2018, the fund has allocated $16.7 million into 58 game changing infrastructure projects.
“Football is only growing in its popularity in Victoria and that’s why we’re investing in community clubs so they can have the best possible pitches and nets,” Ms Spence said.
Football Victoria CEO Kiron Taliadoros said that football (soccer) is more than just a game, it knocks down barriers and brings communities together.
KDSC junior and senior teams hope to step up pre-season training this week.
