World's top teams check out region's new $22 million centre

Moreton Bay Region may be home for some of the world’s top football teams during next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup next year.

The new $22 million centre of excellence, which will be finished early next year at South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale, is attracting international attention as a training base.

The new centre of excellence will be a permanent home for Brisbane Roar women and youth teams, as well as local clubs Albany Creek Excelsior (ACE) and Moreton Bay United.

But Mayor Peter Flannery said the centre, where the first sod was officially turned today, has already impressed the sport’s world governing body FIFA.

Centre pictures - click through

Exciting times

Nations qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup finals, from July 19-August 20, are showing a “big interest” in the venue, “especially the well-known countries”, said the mayor.

Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex at Burpengary, home to Caboolture Sports FC, is also being put forward as a training base.

Centres are assessed on a variety of criteria, including proximity to accommodation, with inquiries believed to have been made to Eatons Hill Hotel.

“We were very excited to pitch this (region) to FIFA when they came out last year,” the Mayor said, “different locations, training areas or home areas for countries when they come here.

State of the art

“It’s exciting to hear some of the countries have a big interest in here, especially the well-known countries.

“Participation in women’s sport is sky rocketing. We want to be at the forefront of developing facilities that will help grow women’s sport locally and nationally.

“The Roar facility will have the best modern features for a professional squad like a high-performance gym, ice baths, coaches’ offices, and changerooms modelled on (EPL) Manchester City club rooms, as well as architectural design features to make it a welcoming space to be in.”

Brisbane Roar Vice-Chairman Chris Fong thanked the mayor and council for “fantastic vision” and said his club “can’t wait to move in”.

Pictures - click through

'Brilliant new base'

“We’re thrilled to turn the sod today and bring us one step closer to this brilliant new base in Moreton Bay,” he said.

“This will be a huge advantage and benefit to our players and it’s a big part of our strategic plan to not only reclaim our place at the top of the A-League Women’s competition but to grow the sport in Queensland.”

Councillor Cath Tonks (Div 9) said the 86-hectare Brendale centre was “fast becoming one of the biggest multisport precincts in Queensland.

“I’m thrilled two popular local teams - Moreton Bay United and Albany Creek Excelsior - will score a brand new club building and fields alongside some of the best footballing talent in the state, which will create a direct pathway for locals into the top flight.”