Nic Street,Minister for Sport and Recreation
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is giving the State the best chance possible at hosting team base camps for the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Stage one of the upgrades at Devonport’s Valley Road has now officially been opened with the facility on track to host potential World Cup basecamps and future A-League matches.
At the 2021 State Election, our Government committed $10 million toward soccer facility upgrades at Devonport (Valley Road), Launceston (Birch Avenue and Churchill Park) and Kingborough (Lightwood Park).
These four soccer grounds are potential base camp venues and the improved facilities will be utilised by all levels of players, from grassroots to the elite level, and hopefully will help to boost participation in the sport.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said it’s exciting to see stage one of Valley Road’s upgrades opened in a real boost for football on the North West Coast.
“We again thank the Tasmanian Government for supporting this project and giving the Tasmanian football community the opportunity to benefit from the legacy of the 2023 World Cup with upgrades to venues across the state.
“As the third biggest sporting tournament on earth, welcoming visiting teams for basecamps offers an enormous and very exciting opportunity for Tasmania” said Mr Bulkeley.
If chosen by FIFA, the basecamps will provide a big boost to the local visitor economy and help to promote the round ball game in the State.
A video about the basecamp opportunity at Valley Road can be viewed here.
Our Government is delivering more elite sporting content for Tasmanians to enjoy, to provide pathways for local athletes and to encourage greater participation in sport.
