Tenison Woods College in sports funding win
Schools
Mount Gambier’s Catholic college has been chosen as the site for a new $2.47m Football Federation SA facility.
Tenison Woods College has entered into a long-term arrangement that will see the shared use of the football facility between its students and the Blue Lake Rangers Soccer Club.
Funded by the State Government’s Power of Her infrastructure and participation program, the facility will include a FIFA certified synthetic pitch, LED lighting, four unisex changerooms, kitchen, coaches boxes, storage and four multipurpose courts.
The Power of Her grants program is aimed at empowering girls and women in sport and sees local sporting clubs and organisations across South Australia share in a record $9.1 million.
It was originally launched to ensure the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continues. Other sports supported through the program include golf, surfing, tennis, netball, basketball and Australian Rules football.
Michael Carter, CEO of Football SA said the partnership with Tenison Woods College, the Blue Lake Rangers Soccer Club and the entire community within the Limestone Coast had resulted in the investment from the State Government.
“The impact on football/soccer in the region will be profound,” Mr Carter said.
“Tenison Woods has approximately 17,500 students and all of them will have the opportunity to play and experience the region’s first synthetic surface.
“After school hours the venue will become a community space capable of hosting major events.
“I would like to thank Catholic Education and school principal David Mezinec for their support in bringing the proposal to life through a substantial investment.”
The grant coincides with Stage 3 of the college’s master plan, and will complement the $11.87m building program which includes a new sports pavilion, comprising weights gymnasium; practical classroom; performing arts practice space/gathering area; kitchen; toilets; changerooms; and outdoor education storage and instruction area, with associated bus access.
As part of the plans the college’s Barrie Holmes Stadium will be refurbished the Homestead and Thomas Ryan building will be renovated to accommodate contemporary performing arts experiences.
Mr Mezinec said the grant was a “a fantastic opportunity” for the college and the wider community.”
“The new football facility will deliver high-quality spaces for our students while also creating a shared facility that can be enjoyed by local sporting groups, benefiting young people across the region,” he said.
