$22 million football centre nears completion

City of Moreton Bay’s new $22 million South Pine Sports Complex - Football Precinct has passed a significant milestone with the completion of the new $9 million Women’s Football Centre of Excellence.  

The facility will be one of the premier women’s sporting facilities in the country, with Brisbane Roar women’s players set to move in mid-2024 once their new fields are completed.  

“The Matilda’s took the world game to new heights in Australia last year with their heroic efforts at the FIFA World Cup, and we hope this facility will continue that journey right here in Moreton Bay,” Mayor Peter Flannery said. 

“It’s great to see the Women’s Football Centre of Excellence being completed after a long journey.  

“Although the fields aren’t quite ready for use, the Roar have begun fitting out the facility with their equipment in preparation for the 2024-25 season.  

“This will be one of the leading dedicated women’s sporting facilities in the country once the fields are completed over the coming months.  

“It will go a long way to helping City of Moreton Bay address our goal to grow participation in women’s sport locally.” 

Brisbane Roar Chairman and CEO Kaz Patafta said he was thrilled to collaborate with City of Moreton Bay on this project. 

“This marks a significant milestone with the development of a world-class, high-performance football facility,” he said. 

“The club eagerly anticipates unifying our team and offering our players access to a premier, top-class training environment later this year.” 

Council thanked the Federal Government for its significant $350,000 contribution to support relocation of services during Stage 1 of construction of the precinct.  

Federal Senator Anthony Chisholm said the Federal Government was committed to driving economic growth and building stronger communities. 

“This new complex is set to provide long term benefits for women’s sport in the Moreton Bay region,” he said. 

“The upgraded facilities will be a great training ground for up-and-coming football stars of the future, while also being an excellent venue for families to enjoy a great day out. 

“The Albanese Government is proud to support this new world-class centre in Brendale, which will cater for local aspiring athletes and some of Brisbane’s best football players.” 

The new Football Precinct also includes a new clubhouse and fields for local team Moreton City Excelsior Football Club, as well as new car parking and pedestrian pathways that will connect the precinct with the rest of the South Pine Sports Complex.  

Councillor Cath Tonks said Moreton City Excelsior will be the envy of other National Premier League clubs.  

“After a long journey, I’m proud to celebrate the completion of the new Moreton City Excelsior home pitch as part of the $22 million works at South Pine Sports Complex – Football Precinct,” she said.  

“The new clubhouse is nearing completion and we’ll be ready for the club to move in by mid-2024.  

“Our investment into amazing facilities like this reduces the cost pressures for our local clubs which in turn reduces the amount parents pay for their children to play. 

“I hope that it brings years of success for Excelsior, so they can continue to grow the game of football in Moreton Bay and hopefully see the next Sam Kerr coming from Moreton Bay.” 

Moreton City Excelsior Football Club president Tony Dooley said the new facility would help grow membership numbers.  

“Excelsior has proud history in the Moreton Bay region, with the first community team being formed in 1963 and growing to over 1,300 local members today.  

“Football participation numbers are growing rapidly in Moreton Bay, not only in the women’s game but across all levels.  

“Thanks to Council and their dedication to local sports, we can ensure that our current members have the best facilities in Queensland while allowing us to continue to offer opportunity for all levels of community football to club members.  

“We look forward to utilising this great facility and working alongside the Brisbane Roar in providing our junior players the best player development opportunities possible.”