Representatives from the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire Council, City of Greater Dandenong and Melbourne City Football Club (FC) came together last month to officially launch the construction of Melbourne City FC's new football academy training grounds.
At the ceremony, City of Casey CEO Glenn Patterson joined Melbourne City FC CEO Brad Rowse to turn the first sod and formally kick off construction of the Etihad City Football Academy Melbourne, where 2020-21 A-League Championship winners, Melbourne City FC, will devote significant resources into training and nurturing South East Melbourne's finest young soccer talent.
The City Football Academy works include a central training pitch and a two-story headquarters building. The new pitch, due for completion by the end of 2021, is adjacent to the four existing full-sized pitches, which are available for use by Melbourne City's various teams as well as City of Casey school and club programs.
Melbourne City's Academy teams started training and playing at Casey Fields in February, and administration staff will move to Casey Fields next month. The A-League and W-League teams will commence 2021-22 pre-season training on site in August and September respectively.
City of Casey CEO Glenn Patterson said that the commencement of construction on the new City Football Academy at Casey Fields would only increase excitement in the community around Melbourne City FC's move to the City of Casey and the wider South East Melbourne region.
"I am sure this is only the start of what will be a truly rewarding partnership for both club and community alike," he said.
"I am already in awe of the facility we are standing in today, another example of the quality of facility that the City of Casey prides itself on building. I am really looking forward to touring the finished product next year.
"The City of Casey has invested significantly into this project, but we have done so because of the enormous good we know it - and the club - can provide for our residents. We reside within one of the most multicultural communities in Australia, and so many in our community absolutely love the round ball game."
Melbourne City Chief Executive Brad Rowse said that 2020/21 had been a momentous season for Melbourne City FC, "starting with the announcement of our move to South East Melbourne and right up until last weekend's grand final win."
"Both moments are just the beginning of an exciting future for the Club, the fans, the staff, players and the wider community," he said.
"The welcome we have received in the South East has been extraordinary, and we cannot wait to see the Etihad City Football Academy come to life. This is more than an elite training facility, it's a home for football in South-east Melbourne."
Stay tuned to the City of Casey and Melbourne City's social media pages for updates on this partnership and exciting events along the way.
