Soccer and Netball score new facilities at Mark Leece Sportsground (St Clair)

Tuesday, 29 September 2020

Demolition of the old amenity block at Mark Leece Sportsground has made way for construction to commence on a new facility that services three sports fields, four netball courts, a skate park and nine local schools.

The 30 year-old facilities were no longer fit for purpose in the growing St Clair area with the soccer and netball clubs lacking secure storage options and change room facilities that were inadequate for the high usage the sports require.

The new facilities have been made possible thanks to an almost $1.3 million grant through the NSW Government’s Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund and a further $455,000 from Council. The NSW Government’s Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund has been established to improve the quality and quantity of sport participation for communities in Greater Sydney and is investing in new and existing venues.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the new facilities will be welcomed by the St Clair user groups and visiting teams.

“The new facilities will meet accessibility standards, provide additional change rooms to cater for the growth in female participation and offer much better storage,” Cr Fowler said.

“The sportsground is in demand from a range of user groups and the local community who use it to for physical activity and social connection and I am pleased the upgrade will service their needs.

“Council, in consultation with the community, has identified projects like this within our Sports and Recreation Strategy and with funding from the NSW Government’s Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund are making them a reality.

“Council and the community are appreciative of the funding provided for this project and in particular the work of Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies in advocating for our local community,” Cr Fowler said.

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund provides many benefits to NSW.

“It is vital people have accessible, safe and inclusive sports infrastructure in their communities,” Mr Lee said.

“The NSW Government three-year program is investing $100 million towards new and upgraded sports facilities which will enable communities to participate in sport at all levels.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the upgrades provided a multi-sport facility that could be used by the community all year round.

“These upgrades will ensure St Clair residents can enjoy the benefits of regular activity and exercise at an inclusive community sport facility.”

User Groups:
St. Clair Soccer Club - has 494 male players and 186 female players registered in 64 teams across all ages.
St. Clair Netball Club - utilise 4 courts for training and netball development at the site. The club presently has 165 female members of all ages operating without suitable amenities.
Nine local schools – Primary and Secondary

Photo caption: Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies (centre) prepares to turn the sod for the new Mark Leece Sportsground Amenity Building and is joined by Jo Bisset (President - St Clair Netball Club), Cr Ross Fowler OAM (Mayor of Penrith), Marc Finnigan (President - St Clair United Soccer) and Alana Spicer (Director - Nepean Football Association).

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 29 September 2020.