Design work has started on the new Queensland Centre of Excellence for Women’s Football at Brendale – which will also be home to ACE and Moreton Bay United.
In a change to the original plan there will now be two separate clubhouses, rather than one, for Brisbane Roar and ACE/Jets, as well as four new turf pitches.
Mayor Peter Flannery also wants to $18 million centre built and open in two years, before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup being hosted by Australia.
It’s a move which has delighted Moreton Bay United Chairman Ben Parkin and ACE President Tony Dooley.
“Moreton Bay United has a proud history of developing young footballers to go on an represent the Brisbane Roar at Academy and A-League level and this move will only add to relationship," said the Jets' chairman.
“As a club with a reputation for player development, having an A-League academy and elite women’s program on our doorstep will provide additional opportunities for our players, while also allowing us, as a club, to continue to move forward with new facilities.
“We are thankful Moreton Bay Regional Council continues to support sport in the area and look forward to working closely with it and Brisbane Roar on the development of the new facilities.”
ACE President Tony Dooley said: “On behalf of Albany Creek Excelsior, I am thrilled the addition of new fields and facilities at South Pine Sports Complex is imminent.
“This will benefit all our community members and with the Brisbane Roar academy teams and W-League team at Brendale, it will give every opportunity for our juniors to share in the excitement of the build up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
“We are fortunate to have a progressive council which has shown a substantial commitment to sport in our region over a sustained period which is now paying dividends in attracting the calibre of sporting organisations such as the Roar.”
With Brisbane Roar playing at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe, for two years, the Mayor said having the club’s women and juniors at Brendale was a “fantastic boost” for this region.
“Young boys and girls will be able to watch their heroes play right here in their own backyard and then have a direct pathway into the country’s top football league,” he said.
Brisbane Roar CEO David Pourre said he couldn’t wait to see the detailed plans.
“Our new home is beginning to take shape and we’re looking forward to following the progress and developments over the coming years.”
South Pine Sports Complex will be one of biggest sports complexes in Queensland and will be home to more than 20 sports codes once it’s complete.
Close to the new facilities is a $15.8 million indoor centre, which is now 90 per cent through construction and is due for completion by late March.
“This is just another reason why Moreton Bay Region is quickly becoming the sporting capital of South East Queensland,” Mayor Flannery said.
