NSW Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Sport and Recreation Gabrielle Upton today inspected construction at the new ‘Home of Football’ in NSW at Valentine Sports Park at Glenwood in North Western Sydney.

“Western Sydney needs bigger and better sporting facilities to cope with a growing population and more opportunities to participate in sport and we’re proud to support that through our investment of $5 million,” said Mr O’Farrell, who was joined by Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly and Football NSW Chief Executive Eddie Moore.

“We understand the importance of keeping people of all ages active and improving sporting facilities is vital to encouraging that,” he said.

“Given the rapid rise in the popularity of the Western Sydney Wanderers, I’m pleased aspiring A-League players and Socceroos will have a great facility at which to train, learn and, importantly, have fun.

“This also marks the delivery of yet another election commitment for the people of Western Sydney by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government,” he said.

Ms Upton said the redevelopment of Valentine Sports Park will include upgrades to playing fields; new synthetic playing surfaces for all-weather play; and an expansion of the Futsal gymnasium.

“Judging by the column inches dedicated to football in the back pages and by the atmosphere at last weekend’s Sydney derby it is safe to say football in NSW continues to go from strength to strength,” Ms Upton said.

“I am passionate about encouraging more people of all ages, from all walks of life, to get active and healthy through sport.

“This impressive facility will help support the growth of the world game in NSW and no doubt will help create the next generation of Socceroos and Matildas like Craig Foster and Renee Rollason.”

Mr Moore said Football NSW was extremely grateful for the significant investment by the NSW Government into the redevelopment of the Home of Football at Valentine Sports Park.

“This investment will ensure the largest sporting community in NSW with over 250,000 players, coaches and referees will be able to enjoy modern, all-purpose fields and facilities for competition, training, gala days and major events,” Mr Moore said.

“With upgraded accommodation and indoor futsal court, the venue will provide access for country NSW, interstate and international teams to play and train at a dedicated home for football,” he said.

“The support of the NSW Government will ensure existing football programs for athletes with a disability, indigenous programs and events, football events for refugees and new arrivals and school football competitions will be able to grow and expand.”

Mr Conolly said it is wonderful to see the NSW Government’s investment take shape.

“When complete this facility will be more than just a world-class sports complex, it will be an integral party of the Riverstone community,” he said.

“Crucially, it will be made available to local primary and secondary schools as well as other community groups,” Mr Conolly said.

“By improving grassroots sports infrastructure, the NSW Government is delivering for the people of Riverstone and Western Sydney.”