State marks soccer as key growth game

By Tania Martin
MONBULK MP and Sports Minister James Merlino last week announced a $5.7 million cash injection for grass-roots soccer as part of the 2009-10 State Budget.
The Strengthening the World Game funding program will be available to clubs right across the state to fund club facilities and pitches.
Mr Merlino said soccer had experienced an unprecedented growth in Victoria and this new program would help improve playing conditions for all players.
“This is great news for soccer in my area with many clubs in the Dandenongs under extreme pressure,” he said.
Sherbrooke Ranges Junior Soccer Club’s David Ceeney said it was great to finally see the government recognising the need as the sport continues to grow.
For years Sherbrooke has been battling for pitch space and calling for more places in the Dandenongs.
Mr Ceeney said any funding for soccer was fantastic news.
“We are currently looking to merge with Monbulk’s senior soccer club and hope to get some funding for facilities in the short-term to alleviate some of our problems,” he said.
“We are hoping something better for all of us will be available down the track and if we can tap in to some of this money it would be wonderful.”
The full details for the grant program are still being finalised.