soccer development strategy

SOCCER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

MAY 2012

Coffey Sport and Leisure ABN 65 092 167 970 Level 7, 1 Southbank Boulevard Southbank VIC 3006 Australia T +61 3 8866 2600 F +61 3 8866 2688 sport.coffey.com

A part of Coffey Projects

SOCCER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Capital Works Directions

City of Wagga Wagga

May 2012

CONTENTS

Coffey Sport and Leisure

1 Executive Summary ............................................................................ 1

2 Introduction ......................................................................................... 5

3 Planning Context ................................................................................ 6

3.1 Council Reports and Strategies .............................................................................. 6

3.2 Demographic Information ........................................................................................ 7

4 Soccer in Wagga Wagga .................................................................... 9

4.1 Wagga Wagga Club Overview ................................................................................ 9

4.2 FWW Membership Numbers ................................................................................... 9

4.3 Pitch and Facilities Summary ................................................................................ 10

5 Industry Trends ................................................................................. 17

5.1 FWW Trends ......................................................................................................... 17

5.2 FNSW Indicated Trends ........................................................................................ 17

5.3 Soccer in Australia ................................................................................................ 18

5.4 Soccer Participation - ERASS ............................................................................... 19

5.5 Synthetic Pitch Provision ...................................................................................... 20

5.6 Water Management and Sports Grounds ............................................................. 21

6 Consultation Overview ..................................................................... 23

6.1 Wagga Wagga Council ......................................................................................... 23

6.2 Football Wagga Wagga ........................................................................................ 24

6.3 Wagga Wagga Football Clubs .............................................................................. 26

7 Critical Soccer Strategy Drivers ...................................................... 30

8 Capital Works Directions Priorities ................................................. 32

8.1 Recommendations ................................................................................................ 32

8.2 Associated Costings ............................................................................................. 33

9 Wagga Wagga Soccer Action Plan .................................................. 35

9.1 Second Round Consultation ................................................................................. 35

9.2 Summary of Action Plan ....................................................................................... 36

9.3 Implementation Plan ............................................................................................. 39

9.4 Funding Procurement ........................................................................................... 41

Appendix A Existing Soccer Site Pitch Layouts ..................................... 42

CONTENTS

Coffey Sport and Leisure

Appendix B Robertson Oval - Bolton Park Master Plan ......................... 43

Appendix C Potential Rawlings Park Amenities Development .............. 44

Appendix D Potential Kessler Park Amenities Development ................. 45

Appendix E Previous Duke of Kent Amenity Potential Development ... 46

Appendix F Rawlings Park Amenities Development Costings .............. 47

Soccer Development Strategy City of Wagga Wagga

Coffey Sport and Leisure Page 1

1 Executive Summary Introduction

Council has been actively working with the sport of soccer1 to both improve soccer sporting infrastructure and also develop a collaborative roadmap or strategy for ongoing sport delivery. Recognising its critical role, the Councils Long Term Financial Plan incorporates soccer facilities enhancement allocations of $1.013M in the 2012/13 financial year and $880K in the 2013/14 financial year for infrastructure works.

In light of this planned commitment from Council, the key objectives of this study are to:

1) Liaise with the key soccer stakeholders in Wagga Wagga to understand their needs and aspirations.

2) To work collaboratively with key sport stakeholders, including Football Wagga Wagga and the clubs, and also Council Divisions to determine the major capital works priorities for the sport.

3) To assist in the development of a collaborative soccer sport strategy that considers the current situation together with the challenges and opportunities for the sport in future years.

Key Findings

Subsequent to a comprehensive consultation process with key stakeholders, a review of the current soccer situation in Wagga Wagga and assessment of industry trends and benchmarks, the following key drivers were identified as a basis for the development of a Wagga Wagga soccer strategy and the associated prioritisation of infrastructure works.

1) Wagga Wagga Sporting Culture

Wagga Wagga has a unique sporting culture as highlighted by: its success in gaining community representation in national teams, general participation in sporting activity and community involvement in sport.

2) Demographic Changes and Demand

The City of Wagga Wagga has some unique demographic characteristics that both highlight demand for sport, including soccer, and indicate increased demand in the future, these include:

In 2006, 17.3% of the population was under the age of 11 while the 17 - 24 year age group constitutes 13.5% of Wagga’s population compared to 9.2% for NSW.

The Wagga Wagga population grew by 7.3% from 2001 to 63K in 2009.

The 5 - 11 age group population is projected to increase by 1.6K or 26% in the period 2006 to 2031.


The overall population of Wagga Wagga is projected to increase by 19.7K or 33% in the period 2006 to 2031.

1 Note: the City of Wagga Wagga refer to the sport as soccer while the sport refers to it as football. As a result the terms soccer and football are used interchangeably throughout this report.



3) Soccer Participation Levels

Soccer participation levels in Wagga Wagga have continued to increase over recent years with the overall growth summarised as follows:

There has been a 9.5% increase in the total Football Wagga Wagga (FWW) membership numbers in the period 2006 until 2010.

There has been a 28% increase in the total female FWW membership numbers in the period 2006 until 2010.

There has been a 5% increase in the total male FWW membership numbers in the period 2006 until 2010.

In addition to the above, an analysis of soccer participation in NSW and nationally indicates the following:

There has been a 5.5K or 13.5% increase in NSW female participation numbers in the period from 2006 to 2010.

There has a 10.5K or 5.3% increase in overall NSW participation levels in the period from 2006 until 2010.

It is understood that Football NSW has the highest membership number of any State based sporting association in Australia.

Football is Australia’s most popular organised team sport with 1.7M participants – more than the three other major football codes combined.

Nationally in 2010, soccer was the ninth most participated physical activity for individuals over the age of 15 years old with 844K participants.

In the period 2001 - 2010, national soccer participation for individual over 15 years old grew by 333K or 53%.

4) Soccer Based Trends

A number of major soccer related trends, both regional and local, are influencing the future direction of the sport, these factors include:

The increase in female participation is creating additional demand for the provision of appropriate female amenities and a “female friendly” sport culture. In addition, with an increase in participation there are also increased expectations associated with the provision of suitable amenities for spectators (i.e. car-parking, toilets, kiosk, shade etc.).

The introduction and growth of Optus Small Sided Football (i.e. small sided games) has required soccer organisations to provide a number of different pitch configurations for the sport. In addition, increased junior participation is putting pressure on the provision of full sized for under 12’s onwards.

The current Football Federation Australia soccer curriculum has an increased emphasis on the technical aspects of skill development with the “ball on the ground” style of play. This style of soccer is putting greater pressure on Councils to provide quality, even, playing surfaces.

Variable climatic conditions in Australia with both excessive rain and droughts together with the “ball on the ground” style of play has resulted in a substantial increase in the provision of synthetic pitches. These pitches have now been recognised by the international governing body FIFA for elite competitions.

Opportunities exist for the conduct of regional, state based and other mass participation events (e.g. State Championships). These events have differing venue requirements but can contribute significant economic benefit to the region.



5) Current Situation

In addition to the points raised above, a number of current situational factors identified by FWW, local clubs and Council are critical to the development of both a soccer strategy for Wagga Wagga and the prioritisation of capital works for sport development. These critical points are identified as follows:

Whilst the overall quality of match day and training surfaces has been improved in recent times, a number of significant issues still exist. In particular Rawlings Park pitches 3, 4, 5 and 62 have poor drainage and the pitches break up after heavy rain.

Existing pitches for seniors are a variety of dimensions, in particular pitch 6 at Rawlings Park is undersize (i.e. 94m by 62m) and hence FWW receives ongoing complaints from clubs.

The existing amenities at Rawlings Park are inadequate for general FWW match day use and also regional events. As the major match day venue for the sport it is important that these amenities be upgraded.

A number of the canteen’s do not currently meet updated Health Department regulations hence they require upgrades.

Bolton Park, which is used for Optus Small Sided Football, has some constraints and/or issues that may impact on future suitability. These include: inadequate car-parking, quality of the grounds (gets very wet in winter), limited amenities and potential impact from Robertson Park Master Plan.

Key Recommendations

Based on the above information and together with a consultation process with Council, Football Wagga Wagga and local soccer clubs the following soccer facilities hierarchy is recommended:

A. Robertson Oval – to be used for major and special events.

B. Rawlings Park – the home of soccer to be used for major regional events and club matches.

C. Duke of Kent – to be used for Optus Small Sided Games (minimum three years) and club training.

D. Other existing facilities – to be used for club training and overflow and junior games.

E. New synthetic facility (five years plus) – to be used for training and matches and out of season activities and also for non-soccer activities.

Consistent with the above facilities hierarchy, the following infrastructure development recommendations are made:

1) Improvement of pitch condition at Rawlings Park for pitches 3, 4, 5 and 6.

2) Amenities Infrastructure development at Rawlings Park.

3) Optus Small Sided Football venue upgrade at Duke of Kent.

4) Meet statutory compliance requirements for the kiosk at Rawlings Park.

5) Standardisation of dimensions for match day pitches at Rawlings Park.

6) Improve the playing surfaces at Rawlings Park fields 7 and 8.

2 Note: Refer to Appendix A for pitch layout details.



7) Potential other enhancements including: pitch lighting enhancements and synthetic pitch provision.

Other general recommendations include:

Work in conjunction with the current Indoor Stadium feasibility study to create further opportunities for participation e.g. futsal and 5-A-side.

Continue regular strategic meetings between Council and key soccer stakeholders to discuss the key outcomes incorporated in this document.

Continue collaborative club funding applications that are consistent with the outcomes of the capital directions recommendations.

Introduce a volunteer recognition program that encourages involvement in the sport.

Continue to work collaboratively to attract major regional events and other events with the view of conducting them at Robertson Oval and/or Rawlings Park.

Identify partnership opportunities (e.g. university, DET, private education, Show Society, Murrumbidgee Turf Club) to further grow the sport and provide additional facilities.

Review the demand for a future new club, specifically in the Forest Hill area given that existing facilities can be utilised and that the defence force community could be involved.

Continue the coaching education program to ensure that junior player development is consistent with the national curriculum.

Subsequent to the development of Rawlings Park and Robertson Oval, review Gissing Oval use with the potential of it being a multi-purpose facility.

The estimated capital costs associated with the above recommendations is $3.24M (in current day prices). A proposed ten year implementation/prioritisation plan recommends infrastructure works of $1.14M in 2012/133 and $880K in 2013/14.

3 Proposed works are subject to successful application to the Local Infrastructure Renewal Funding Scheme.



2 Introduction Background

Known as the "City of Good Sports", many of Australia's sporting heroes hail from the regional city of Wagga Wagga, including former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, rugby league great Peter Sterling and AFL legend Paul Kelly. The high number of elite athletes produced by the Riverina City was the subject of a study by the Australian Institute of Sport in 2005. The research proved that the City’s talent pool was more than just good luck, describing the sporting phenomenon as the ‘Wagga Effect’.

The "Wagga Effect" is a phrase used by the Australian Institute of Sport to describe the disproportionately high number of elite sports men and women who come from regional cities. A study by researcher Dr Damien Farrow confirms the existence of the phenomenon, which concluded sports stars are more likely to be born and raised in a regional centre like Wagga Wagga than a big city. Dr Farrow reasoned children from smaller towns have more space to play, are exposed to many different sports, and because competition is limited, will often participate alongside adults. With so many high-profile sportspeople originating from Wagga Wagga, it's believed many children are motivated to follow in their heroes’ footsteps.

This context highlights the passion and enthusiasm for sport participation in Wagga Wagga together with the commitment of Council to provide an environment that both encourages participation and promotes aspirational sporting achievements. To this end, Council has been working with the sport of soccer to both improve soccer sporting infrastructure and also develop a collaborative roadmap or strategy for ongoing sport delivery. Recognising its critical role in this process, Council has identified funding in the 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years for soccer infrastructure improvement.

Study Objectives

In light of this commitment from Council, the key objectives of this study are to:

1) Liaise with the key soccer stakeholders in Wagga Wagga to understand their needs and aspirations.

2) To work collaboratively with key sport stakeholders, including Football Wagga Wagga and the clubs, and also Council Divisions to determine the major capital works priorities for the sport.

3) To assist in the development of a collaborative soccer sport strategy that considers the current situation together with the challenges and opportunities for the sport in future years.

Acknowledgements

Coffey Sport and Leisure would like to acknowledge the significant support and contributions of the following individuals and groups in completing this study:

Donna Baker and Dave O’Grady from Football Wagga Wagga.

Council Officers from the City of Wagga Wagga.

Representatives from local soccer clubs that provided input and assistance.



3 Planning Context The following information provides an overview of relevant contextual information informing this project, including implications of Council reports and strategies and Wagga Wagga demographics.

3.1 Council Reports and Strategies A summary of Council Reports and their relevance to this study is outlined below.

Council Report Summary/Implication

This Way Wagga Vision 2030 (2010)

Sourcing information, resources and opinions from the various stakeholders throughout the Wagga Wagga community. This Way Wagga Vision 2030 outlines the future direction and strategic objectives for the community. This Way Wagga Vision 2030 highlights the promotion of community health and wellbeing, through the “provision of recreational facilities and strong participation in sport and fitness activities”.

Community Strategic Plan (2011)

Created in line with the Way Wagga Vision 2030, the Community Strategic Plan highlights strategies to “promote fun, exercise and fitness as a way of life in Wagga Wagga”. The Community Strategic Plan also seeks to “ensure that a range services, facilities and programs are available for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy”.

Long Term Financial Plan (2011)

The Long Term Financial Plan outlines resource allocations to the community’s future directions and strategic objectives. The Long Term Financial Plan highlights the need to “provide, maintain and promote sport, recreation and leisure programs for the community” and also the need to “plan, construct and maintain Sports and Recreation Facilities” to enable a connected rural and urban community.

The Plan outlines Councils commitment to the enhancement of soccer facilities with allocations of $1.013M in the 2012/13 financial year and $880K in the 2013/14 financial year for infrastructure works.

Bolton Park/Robertson Oval & Wagga Wagga Exhibition Centre Master Plans (WorlseyParsons 2010)

Prepared for the Wagga Wagga City Council, the plans aim to promote the best possible development of Bolton Park, Robertson Oval and Wagga Wagga Exhibition Centre. This review was limited for soccer however, the report identified that the supply of soccer fields was most likely sufficient for the local community at the time.

Plan of Management for Rawlings Park 2008 - 2013 (2008)

This plan aims to provide directions regarding the management of Rawlings Park for the next five years. Rawlings Park is the city’s largest senior and junior soccer venue. The management plan concludes that the demand for soccer is growing, and that currently, there are inadequate amounts of soccer fields to service the community.



Council Report Summary/Implication

Delivery Program 2011 - 2013 (2011)

The 2011 - 2013 Delivery Program outlines what Wagga Wagga’s elected council expects to achieve throughout its term in office. The Delivery Program displays the importance to Wagga’s community of both maintaining and improving parks and Sports and Recreation Facilities.

Operational Plan 2011 - 2012 (2011)

The Operational Plan 2011 - 2012 provides details relating to how Council will achieve the objectives set out within the Community Strategic Plan. The Operational Plan outlines the need to implement a Soccer Development City Wide Strategy, and the importance of not only securing sport and recreation events for Wagga Wagga, but also, the need to provide Sporting and Recreation Improvement Grants.

Table: Summary of Relevant Reports

3.2 Demographic Information The following information provides a summary of the Wagga Wagga community. The information is sourced from the Wagga Wagga 2011 - 2013 Delivery Program:

Wagga Wagga, the largest inland city in New South Wales is situated at a junction of major transport routes midway between Sydney and Melbourne. The Local Government Area (LGA) occupies an area of 4,866 square kilometres.

17.3% of the population is under the age of 11. The 17 - 24 year age group constitutes 13.5% of Wagga’s population compared to 9.2% for NSW.

6.7% of people were born overseas and 3.5% of people are from non-English speaking backgrounds.


The education and training sector provides both services and employment opportunities to many people throughout the region. Charles Sturt University (as well as the presence of other universities), a regional Institute of TAFE, a community college, nine high schools, many primary schools, preschools and child care services.



Age Cohorts and Population Projections

The table below provides a summary of the City of Wagga Wagga 2006 Census findings together with projections to 2031.

Age group

2006 2031 Variation

Total % of Pop. Total % of Pop. Actual

Change %

Change

0 - 4 4,244 7.1 5,541 6.4 1,297 30.6

5 - 11 6,099 10.2 7,708 9.3 1,609 26.4

12 - 17 5,413 9.1 6,624 8.2 1,211 22.4

18 - 24 7,715 12.9 8,866 9.2 1,151 14.9

25 - 34 7,778 13.0 9,598 13.6 1,820 23.4

35 - 49 11,853 19.9 15,282 21.9 3,429 28.9

50 - 59 6,936 11.6 8,843 12.7 1,907 27.5

60 - 69 4,502 7.5 7,358 8.7 2,856 63.4

70+ 5,106 8.6 9,575 9.9 4,469 87.5

Total 59,646 100 79,395 100 19,749 33.1

Table: City of Wagga Wagga Populations

Key findings associated with this information are:

The 5 - 11 age group population is projected to increase by 1.6K or 26% from 2006 to 2031.

The 12 - 17 age group population is projected to increase by 1.2K or 22% from 2006 to 2031.

The overall population of Wagga Wagga is projected to increase by 19.7K or 33% from 2006 to 2031.



4 Soccer in Wagga Wagga The following information provides an overview of the current delivery model and participation in soccer in Wagga Wagga including:

Wagga Wagga soccer club overview.

Football Wagga Wagga (FWW) participation numbers.

Pitch and facilities overview.

4.1 Wagga Wagga Club Overview The following information provides a summary of FWW affiliated clubs and membership numbers including both seniors and juniors.

Club Membership Numbers

Male Female Total

Cootamundra Strikers 42 20 62

Gundagai Football Club 16 0 16

Henwood Park 393 103 496

Junee Junior 98 61 159

Junee Senior 51 15 66

Lake Albert 315 68 383

South Wagga 17 19 36

Temora 34 17 51

Tolland 307 68 375

Tumut Eagles 22 9 31

Uranquinty 36 0 36

Wagga United 363 53 416

Total 1,694 433 2,127

Table: FWW Affiliated Club Numbers

A summary of this information is as follows:

There are 12 affiliated clubs with FWW.

The four largest affiliated clubs: Henwood Park, Lake Albert, Tolland and Wagga United account for almost 80% of the total Wagga Wagga soccer membership number.

4.2 FWW Membership Numbers The following information provides a summary of FWW membership numbers for the period 2006 to 2011.

FWW 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 20114

Male 1,606 1,742 1,801 1,835 1,789 1,694

Female 337 372 376 414 460 433

Total 1,943 2,114 2,177 2,249 2,249 2,127

Table: FWW Membership Numbers

4 Note: 2011 figures are not final and may increase slightly.



A summary of this information is as follows:

There has been a 9.5% increase in the total FWW membership numbers in the period 2006 until 2010.



4.3 Pitch and Facilities Summary The following information provides a summary of Wagga Wagga venue and pitch details. This information has been provided by both Council and FWW with key issues identified from site visits and general consultation.

Site Location Ownership General Site Conditions

Summary of Surrounds

Current Use

Bolton Park Boarded by

Tarcutta St and Sturt Highway

Crown land managed by

Council

Stormwater Issues

Relatively Flat

Retail Main Roads Residential

Soccer Cricket

Preseason training for

various sports

Duke of Kent

Boarded by Shaw St, North Ave, South St,

West St

Council

Flat, impacted by drought,

recycled water now in use

Residential surrounds

Boarded by roads

Predominantly soccer during

the winter Cricket during the summer

Forest Hill Brunskill Ave

and Dunn Ave Council Good Surface

Residential Boarded by

roads

Soccer Cricket

Gissing Oval Blewett Crs and

Blaimey St Council Best Surface

Residential Fenced which

allows for separation

Soccer Only

Henwood Oval Lake Road and The Boulevard

Council

Surface only moderate

Residential Soccer Cricket

Kessler Park Nordlingen Drv and Cobb St

Council

3 levels (1 per oval)

Poor drainage on lower level

Boarded by roads

Residential Soccer only

Rawlings Park Access through

Angel St Council

Good surface however can get

boggy Well maintained

by FWW

One side residential Other side parkland

Soccer Cricket

Showgrounds Bourke and

Urana Streets Show Society

Surface requires ongoing renewal

Bordered by main roads

Show Society Harness Racing

Uranquinty Uranquinty and

King Streets Council

Moderate Surface

Two sides residential Other side

farming

Soccer Cricket

Table: Overview of Current Soccer Sites



More specific venues details have been provided below and where available, site pitch layouts have been attached in Appendix A with additional site specific details provided below.

4.3.1 Bolton Park

A summary of relevant Bolton Park information is provided below:

Used by FWW for Optus Small Sided Football (OSSF) until 2011.

Parking is a significant issue due to the overall activity in the precinct.

Only has one light tower which limits night usage.

Fields 1 to 7 are used for OSSF size for Under 6 and 7’s.

Fields 8 to 15 are OSSF size for Under 8 and 9’s.

Complex is used for school sports and is also utilised by other codes for training.

Site has a history of flooding: in 2010 numerous weeks of games were cancelled and one was also cancelled in 2011. (Note: 2010 was extremely wet and all sport across the city was impacted).

A summary of the standard pitch configuration for Bolton Park is as follows:

Pitch Description

Length (m)Approx

Width (m) Approx

Total Ground Space (sqm)

Field 1 30 20 600

Field 2 30 20 600

Field 3 30 20 600

Field 4 30 20 600

Field 5 30 20 600

Field 6 30 20 600

Field 7 30 20 600

Field 8 50 40 2,000

Field 9 50 40 2,000

Field 10 50 40 2,000

Field 11 50 40 2,000

Field 12 50 40 2,000

Field 13 50 40 2,000

Field 14 50 40 2,000

Field 15 50 40 2,000

Table: Bolton Park Pitch Configuration

4.3.2 Duke of Kent Oval

A summary of relevant Duke of Kent Oval information is provided below:

Due to the drought, the oval was not used for three years.

The use of the Duke of Kent Oval recommenced late 2011.

Traditionally the oval has been used as Wagga United’s training venue.

FWW would like to reconfigure for 10 - 11 years old OSSF, but with additional two full size pitches on each side.

Previously, its configuration consisted of three full sized pitches.



This venue is used for training and is capable of facilitating 3 full sized pitches.

Venue is being considered by FWW as the new home of OSSF.

Venue contains two cricket pitches.

Amenities block location and condition is poor.

Inadequate lighting.

A summary of the standard pitch configuration for the Duke of Kent Oval is as follows:

Pitch Description

Length (m)Approx

Width (m) Approx


Field 1 70 50 3,500

Field 2 70 50 3,500

Field 3 70 50 3,500

Field 4 70 50 3,500

Table: Duke of Kent Oval Pitch Configuration

4.3.3 Forest Hill

A summary of relevant Forest Hill information is provided below:

Forest Hill is used as a secondary level facility.

Used for three seasons so far.

Currently have good sized amenities that could be improved.

Could be used as a training venue if lighting was improved.

Potential to shift a club to this venue if lighting was improved.

Forest Hill is traditionally used for games, and not training.

It is recognized as an underutilized venue.

Canteen is used as storage area and isn’t suitable for use.

Pitch 1 has a cricket pitch and hence it gets slippery after rain.

Limited lighting levels – only lights up about 20 metres from amenities block, causing limited training to be conducted on this site.

The canteen has no real fit out, which has led to it becoming unusable.

A summary of the standard pitch configuration for Forest Hill is as follows:

Pitch Description

Length (m)Approx

Width (m) Approx


Field 1 100 65 6,500

Field 2 70 50 3,500

Field 3 70 50 3,500

Table: Forest Hill Pitch Configuration



4.3.4 Gissing Oval

A summary of relevant Gissing Oval information is provided below:

Historically home of football in Wagga but Football Wagga Wagga have outgrown this venue hence it has no home club.

Very good pitches and is used for representative and elite programs as a training venue.

Used for refixtured matches from other grounds.

Can play night games as the lighting is excellent.

Exclusive soccer use all year round (Only exclusive venue).

Only site with referee’s room.

Very good size changerooms.

Pitches 2 and 3 are no longer used for OSSF, with these areas being used for development programs.

The site is also used by schools for school programs.

The kiosk is potentially too big and it requires an upgrade to meet updated Health Department requirements.

Minor maintenance required (i.e. toilets).

Fenced and very well lit.

A summary of the standard pitch configuration for Gissing Oval is as follows:

Pitch Description

Length (m)Approx

Width (m) Approx


Field 1 110 72 7,920

Field 2 70 50 3,500

Field 3 70 50 3,500

Table: Gissing Oval Pitch Configuration

4.3.5 Henwood Oval

A summary of relevant Henwood Oval information is provided below:

Used as an overflow/training only venue.

Multi-use oval, with other codes also using Henwood Oval for training.

In 2011, Wagga United trained at the ground.

Excellent lighting which was upgraded in 2010.

Not a match venue and no plans for it to be used as a match venue.

FWW believes that it could be used as a permanent training venue for a current Rawlings Park club.

Requires clarification from council regarding availability.

Have not previously put goal posts up but could if available.

No fencing allowing for a potential risk.

Lacks amenities.

Potentially underutilized



4.3.6 Kessler Park

A summary of relevant Kessler Park information is provided below:

Tollano F.C uses as a training venue.

Main pitch is used for games however it is primarily utilised as a training venue.

Lighting recently installed in the middle pitch area.

Very poor drainage – restricts match day use and occasional training use.

No off-street car parking.

A summary of the standard pitch configuration for Kessler Park is as follows:

Pitch Description

Length (m)Approx

Width (m) Approx


Field 1 100 65 6,500

Table: Kessler Park Pitch Configuration

4.3.7 Rawlings Park

A summary of relevant Rawlings Park information is provided below:

Has eight pitches and is the main match day venue for FWW.

The site has been used for the NSW regional state titles the last two years.

Opportunity to set up as a significant venue.

Clubs see this as the predominant major events facility.

Two clubs based at Rawlings Park – Henwood Park Soccer Club and Lake Albert Soccer Club, all grounds at Rawlings Park are used by these two clubs for training.

Accommodates approximately 900 individuals for training each week.

Opportunity to relocate training for a club to Forrest Hill.

Southern amenity block is used for event administration.

Schools use fields 1,3,4,7 and 8.

Field 7 used by Lake Albert Seniors as training venue due to lights.

Field 8 used by Henwood Park Seniors as training venue due to lights.

Inadequate lighting and low lux levels – constrains the area that can be used for training and impacts on the overall quality of the pitch.

Inadequate southern amenities – no changerooms.

Pitch 6 is reduced in size due to the turf pitch at the southern end – slightly small but still used, disliked by clubs and players.

Rawlings Park Council Area 2 (i.e. Pitches 3, 4, 5 and 6) has poor drainage – pitches break up after heavy rain.

Inadequate parking which impacts on general access.

High level of usage which impact on pitches and retention of quality.



A summary of the standard pitch configuration for Rawlings Park is as follows:

Pitch Description

Length (m)Approx

Width (m) Approx


Field 1 100 65 6,500

Field 2 70 50 3,500

Field 3 100 64 6,400

Field 4 100 64 6,400

Field 5 70 50 3,500

Field 6 94 62 5,828

Field 7 100 68 6,800

Field 8 100 68 6,800

Table: Rawlings Park Pitch Configuration

4.3.8 Showgrounds

A summary of relevant Showgrounds information is provided below:

Owned by show society (not council).

South Wagga Soccer Club has an arrangement to use the Showgrounds for its home matches and training.

FWW fixture South Wagga home games only at the Showgrounds, no other club can use for home games.

South Wagga has two senior teams.

A summary of the standard pitch configuration for the Showgrounds is as follows:

Pitch Description

Length (m)Approx

Width (m) Approx


Field 1 96 62 5,952

Table: Showgrounds Pitch Configuration

4.3.9 Uranquinty

A summary of relevant Uranquinty information is provided below:

The ground is located 20km from Wagga.

The pitch was unavailable for a period of time in 2011 due to ground maintenance.

The ground can be set up as a two pitch ground.

Has a cricket pitch in the middle of the oval.

Has new amenities block which is suitable for soccer matches.

A summary of the standard pitch configuration for the Uranquinty is as follows:

Pitch Description

Length (m)Approx

Width (m) Approx


Field 1 98 55 5,390

Field 2 88 46 4,048

Table: Uranquinty Pitch Configuration



4.3.10 Summary

An overall summary of pitch space (where available) is provided below.

Pitch Description Total Ground Space (sqm)

Bolton Park 20,200

Duke of Kent 14,000

Forest Hill 13,500

Gissing 14,920

Kessler Park 6,500

Rawlings Park 45,728

Show Ground 5,952

Uranquinty 9,438

Total 130,238

Table: Total Pitch Space (where available)



5 Industry Trends The following information provides a summary of trends relevant to the development of a soccer strategy.

5.1 FWW Trends A workshop was conducted with representatives from Football Wagga Wagga and the following is a summary of identified soccer trends:

Through increased participation, soccer has outgrown itself in Wagga Wagga.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Football New South Wales (FNSW) have recently implemented the OSSF program for under 6 to under 12.

OSSF has contributed to an increased number of teams and participation.

There has been a general increase in adult participation, but a reduction in participation in 15, 16 and 17 year olds.

With the introduction of OSSF it is now a challenge to accommodate demand for Under 13’s on full sized pitches.

Climatic conditions have had a detrimental impact on the quality of pitches.

As a consequence of capacity issues, training has been occurring on match day surfaces, creating further stress on pitches.

General sport delivery has been enhanced with compulsory coaching qualification requirements, improved referee development and improved management practices.

5.2 FNSW Indicated Trends FNSW has previously advised of the following relevant trends for the sport in both the state and nationally.

Facilities

There is a movement towards the provision of synthetic (all weather) pitches.

There is an expectation for enhanced spectator management.

There is an increasing use of pitches resulting in a detrimental impact on pitch condition.

With increasing participation numbers, football is becoming a more important social experience for parents.

There is an increased focus on development and competitions generally.

Expectations associated with the quality of facilities have increased of recent times.

Participation

The following table provides a summary of FNSW membership numbers for the period 2006 to 2010.

FNSW 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Male 154,747 162,838 163,413 161,177 159,538

Female 40,813 43,063 43,777 45,039 46,328

Total 195,560 205,901 207,190 206,216 205,866

Table: FNSW Membership Numbers



Key findings and implications associated with this information include:

There has been a 5.5K or 13.5% increase in female participation numbers in the period from 2006 to 2010.

This situation has resulted in a range of factors requiring consideration for any new facility development including: provision of female changerooms, general security and quality of amenities.

There has a 10.5K or 5.3% increase in overall participation levels in the period from 2006 until 2010.

It is understood that FNSW has the highest membership number of any State based sporting association in Australia.

Competition

There has been a significant increase in OSSF participation impacting on the provision of variable field sizes and the location of goals.

There has been an increase in Summer Competition participation with the sport becoming an all year round activity.

There has been an increase in disability and special needs modified competitions.

These changes to competition structure have resulted in a requirement for more referees and volunteers of which there is a current shortage.

There is greater awareness of elite level football both through increased exposure to the World Cup and the A-League.

Financial

Affordability is becoming an issue for participants and families.

Due to sporting alternatives, there is increased competition between sports to attract participants.

There are substantial infrastructure challenges associated with the rapid growth of the game.

There are increasing requirements from FFA for the conduct of the sport.

5.3 Soccer in Australia The following information summarises relevant Football Federation Australia (FFA) documents on industry trends and background.

FFA Strategic Plan

According to the FFA there are numerous reasons why football (soccer) is very important to Australia, with these including:

1. Football is the world’s most popular game (NB: as assessed by participation levels).

2. Football is Australia’s most popular organised team sport with 1.7M participants – more than the three other major football codes combined.

3. Football is the sport which provides an unparalleled forum for corporate and government engagement with the world, and in particular, Asia.

4. Football is the fastest growing participation sport for women.

5. Football is a skilful, accessible game with lower injury risks than the other football codes.

6. Based on current levels of youth passion in the game, football’s pre-eminence in the long term will extend to all ages and demographics.



7. It is a sport that offers domestic and international career pathways and participation in the world’s two largest competitions (FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games).

8. Football is Australia’s most multi-cultural sport.

FFA National Curriculum

The national curriculum, introduced in 2009, aims to provide for a “soundly based, consistent, co-ordinated national Talent Development and Identification Program for football in Australia that aims to achieve a major improvement in the quality and performance of Australia’s top players, coaches and teams”. The curriculum states that:

Weaknesses in Australian players include the ability to conduct a short passing game.

There is little emphasis on passing the ball from the defence purposely, with Australian players preferring to utilise “long ball” tactics.

Passing exercises are an essential and very specific part of the functional game skills and therefore need to be maintained permanently throughout all age groups.

5.4 Soccer Participation - ERASS The following information provides a summary of recreational and competitive participation levels in physical activity in Australia for individuals over the age of 15 years. (Note: sourced from Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey, ERASS, by the Australian Sports Commission).

Sport 2001 2010

% Change Total Participation ('000)

Walking 4,356 6,281 44% Aerobics/Fitness 1,961 4,118 110% Swimming 2,416 2,279 -6%

Cycling 1,438 2,081 45% Running 1,084 1,857 71% Golf 1,240 1,177 -5% Tennis 1,382 1,050 -24% Bushwalking 795 847 6% Soccer (outdoor) 551 844 53% Netball 612 650 6%

Table: ERASS Participation Numbers

The information above highlights the following:

In 2010, soccer was the ninth most participated physical activity for individuals over the age of 15 years old with 844K participants.

In the period 2001 - 2010, soccer participation grew by 333K or 53%.

The table below provides a breakdown of male and female participation in soccer:

Year Male Female Total

Number ('000)

Rate (%) Number

('000) Rate (%)

Number ('000)

Rate (%)

2001 432.2 5.8 119.2 1.6 551.3 3.7 2010 597.4 6.9 246.5 2.8 843.9 4.8

Table: ERASS Soccer Participation Numbers



This information indicates the following:

In the period 2001 - 2010, there has been a 127K or 106% increase in soccer participation within females.

In the period 2001 - 2010, there has been a 165K or 38% increase in soccer participation within males.

5.5 Synthetic Pitch Provision The demand for the provision of high quality sports surfaces together in some instances with either the lack of available water or inadequate drainage is creating significant challenges for LGA’s to meet increasing requirements for sport surfaces. For example, LGA’s have been forced to close grounds due to declining quality of the surfaces, this has resulted in substantial disruptions for both sports associations and participants.

Whilst a number of different options have emerged as solutions to combat the requirement for quality surfaces, the reality is that many are either short-term or ultimately are still reliant on rainfall, access to an alternate water source or exceptional levels of drainage. For this reason, many stakeholders in the sports and recreation industry have identified the need to ‘fast-track’ the research and development of synthetic surfaces which are appropriate for sports grounds and sports fields.

At the elite level, and in a controlled and supervised setting, the application of synthetic surfaces has proved successful for both soccer and other sports at the Darebin International Sports Centre. Further to this at an elite level, the international governing body for soccer, FIFA, has endorsed synthetic pitches for international competitions with several under age World Championship events being held on FIFA approved synthetic surfaces.

The optimal location for the installation of a synthetic field(s) is one where there would be an anchor tenant requiring high use of sports fields (e.g. a large club/association), where a management framework could be easily implemented, and where the facility could be well located for potential external user groups

It is generally recommended that the pitches be fenced for the following reasons: 1) The need to protect the surface from inappropriate use/vandalism (high cost of installation and repair), 2) The capacity to raise revenue from such installations (i.e. fee-for-use facility) and 3) The need to manage and control the access to and use of the facility.

The following table provides a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the use of synthetic surfaces on publicly accessible sports fields.

Strengths Weaknesses

Durability – capacity to accommodate high use in all seasons and weather conditions (estimated 1,500 hours of use on a synthetic sports field, compared to 250 hours on a turf field).

Access and use not dependent upon climatic conditions including the provision of water.

Potential revenue raiser from hiring facilities to non-tenant groups.

Low maintenance (approximately $6.6K pa for an artificial surface oval, compared to an estimated $30K pa for a turf equivalent).

Consistent and improved playing standards and player skill levels (i.e.

High installation and replacement costs (estimated $0.5M for a soccer field).

Repair of damaged turf is costly and is not immediate. Installations in the public setting may be deliberately targeted by vandals.

Line-marking on multi-use fields is difficult, temporary lines are easily worn, whilst permanent lines (stitched) are not practical for grounds used for multiple sports (e.g. AFL centre square lines/50m arcs versus fielding restriction circle for One-Day cricket).

Impact of players in collision sports hitting the ground, i.e. landing after a high mark in AFL, abrasions on exposed skin.



Strengths Weaknesses even surface for training and competition at all times).

Improved player safety due to the even surface.

Environmentally friendly to maintain with the capacity to trap and channel rainfall to catchment/storage areas for re-use.

No associated water carting expenses. Significant decrease in water use and an

associated decrease in water costs. Depending on surface type and usage

levels, the overall life span of a synthetic surface is between 10 to 15 years.

Multipurpose - can be used by a variety of sports and recreational activities.

Undesirable surface for informal recreation activities, such as dog walking, sitting, etc., may lead to a potential reduction in the amount of locally accessed “useable” open space.

Also impact of dog excrement on surfaces and dis-used cigarette butts (burn marks – the surface is combustible).

Carbon foot-print impacts, e.g. manufacture of synthetic material and glues used to install the surface, and the loss of the turf to the process of reducing CO2 from the atmosphere.

Depending on surface type, heat can be reflected upwards from synthetic surface.

Potential to produce very hot playing conditions in summer.

Table: Strengths and Weaknesses of Synthetic Pitches

FIFA and Synthetic Pitches

FIFA President Joseph Blatter recently expressed his support for artificial turf and believes that one day every country will convert to playing on synthetic surfaces. His comments have been endorsed by the German Sport University (GSU) of Cologne, who recently reached the conclusion that "well maintained artificial turf has no measurable effect on the game."

It was also discovered that data such as players' shots and crosses only differs from that of natural pitches if the artificial turf is of a poor quality, stating "with shooting it affects the standing leg, while with crossing it is the kicking leg which is affected more. Changing the surface causes a loss of accuracy and power."

The results of the report have been supported by other studies and observations, as well as by world football's governing body, FIFA. Germany coach Joachim Low recently stated that artificial turf would be "no excuse" for a poor performance and made his players train on an artificial pitch in Mainz in order to get used to the surface.

Blatter also stated that artificial turf is the "future of football," as well as claiming that "most countries around the world will play on artificial turf one day because it can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

5.6 Water Management and Sports Grounds The Municipal Association of Australia - Sports Surfaces Task Force commissioned a comprehensive report on Strategies for Managing Sports Surfaces in a Drier Climate (July 2007). The following information provides an overview of the key findings from this report.

Background Information

In the 10 years to 2007, southern Australia experienced the driest conditions on record, with river flows and reservoir levels at all-time lows. Within southern Australia, the introduction of Stage 3A water restrictions significantly reduced the watering of municipal sports fields to only 1 in 4 grounds, and in other cases, some municipalities elected not to water their grassed sports surfaces at all.

These recent drought conditions and resultant water restrictions had an adverse impact on the condition of many grounds and restricted the access to sporting facilities. In some communities, no sport was played during the normal period of competition.



Summary of Key Findings

With consideration to this background, the following strategies were identified to reduce the water demand of sports facilities and improve their sustainability in drier times:

Install synthetic surfaces.

Use drought tolerant turf species.

Implement appropriate turf management practices.

Improve understanding of site and climatic conditions.

Prepare a water budget.

Improve irrigation control.

Review irrigation methods.

Rationalise provision of facilities.

Rationalise the area requiring irrigation.

Reduce water use in clubrooms, toilets and across the whole council.

Reduce water use at sports facilities managed by clubs.

Investigate alternative sources of water.

Improve responses to restrictions.

Influence decision makers, including communities and sporting clubs.

A number of conclusions were reached from the research and investigations conducted during the project. These include:

Successful water saving projects frequently requires a holistic range of strategies to achieve successful outcomes.

Reductions in potable water use at sports facilities in excess of 50% are achievable.

Consultation with sporting clubs and communities is needed to develop a combined understanding and ownership of the problem and the solutions.

The required investment to achieve the possible water saving is beyond the financial resources of many councils in the short to medium term.

Short term measures, such as supplying water using road tankers, are not sustainable in the medium to long term.

Due to the high cost and lack of space for the construction of substantial local storage facilities, drought proofing facilities using storm-water and some other alternative sources needs to be carefully evaluated against other alternatives.



6 Consultation Overview A comprehensive approach to consultation was adopted to ensure the views of all relevant parties were considered. A range of consultation processes were employed including workshops, meetings and interviews. The outcomes of the consultation are contained below.

6.1 Wagga Wagga Council The following information outlines the key findings from consultation with the City of Wagga Wagga.

6.1.1 Parks and Recreation

A meeting was conducted with Council Officers from Parks and Recreation and the following is a summary of the key findings.


Council has been working with the sport of soccer to both improve soccer sporting infrastructure and also develop a collaborative roadmap or strategy for ongoing sport delivery improvement.

Recognising its critical role in this process, Council has identified funding in the 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years for soccer infrastructure improvement.

Parks and Recreation are working with Wagga sporting organisations to assist them in being more strategic in the future planning of facilities.

Council would like to establish an approach with sports that is collaborative and consultative.

Whilst future funding has been allocated to the improvement/enhancement of soccer infrastructure, where possible this should also be used to maximise community benefit.

The attraction of events of significance is an important objective in the Council Recreation and Open Space Strategy.

Consistent with above, Council would like to see the development of a facilities hierarchy for the sport of soccer.

The sport has changing and evolving needs and demands that must be considered for the future, these include:

- The general growth in sport participation.

- The technical focus and the associated demand for quality surfaces.

- Venues should be multipurpose to maximise utilisation.

Other Considerations

An upgrade of Robertson Oval (next to Bolton Park) has commenced this year (refer Appendix B). This will result in an additional oval being located where the existing OSSF fields one to nine are located.

As an outcome of the works associated with the Robertson Oval master plan – Bolton Park can still be used, however it may require some re configuring of pitches.

Robertson Oval itself could potentially be used as a major event venue, e.g. Pre-season A-League or other major events.

The Forest Hill facilities are underutilised and hence they are currently available for use by soccer.



The Bolton Park precinct is exceptionally busy (i.e. alternate use, user conflict etc.) with limited car-parking hence the preference is to reduce the general demand, by all user groups, on this precinct.

Note: Subsequent to this initial consultation, the City advised that OSSF games would be relocated from Bolton Park to Duke of Kent for the 2012 season.

6.1.2 Planning - Council

A meeting was conducted with an Officer from Wagga Wagga City Council’s Planning Department and the following is a summary of the key findings.

Push for a creative city with a culture defined by sport and recreation.

Linked in with this is the provision of facilities that are suitable for attracting and hosting regional events.

New urban release areas for populations and development are: Lloyd (South West of Town) and Estalla (North of Town).

6.2 Football Wagga Wagga The following information outlines the key findings from consultation with Football Wagga Wagga.

Pitch Hierarchy of Use

FWW have an in principle view regarding the hierarchy of use with Rawlings Park to be the major FWW match day venue.

Ideally clubs have a designated training venue, allowing match venues to be preserved for competition.

To achieve this model the two clubs that use Rawlings for training would need to be relocated.

The Benefits of this Model are:

It allows for the preservation of competition pitches.

Enhances suitability of Wagga as an event location.

Provision of appropriate number of quality match pitches.

FWW could control match pitches.

Clubs have “ownership” of training venues, as well as a dedicated home base.

Can create consistency of facilities and amenities at training venues.

Potentially small sided games could be played at training venues.

FWW Association Objectives

Ensure separation of playing and training fields.

Enhance quality of pitches (drainage is currently an issue).

Allow for appropriate amenity blocks which have set standards and consistency.

Enhance levels of appropriate lighting at venues.

Develop a soccer centre of excellence.

Ensure that clubs have a “home”.

Major focus of the strategy is to ‘catch up’ on current requirements.



Key Principle for the Development of a Facilities Hierarchy

Relocating clubs from Rawlings Park if possible.

Setting up Rawlings Park as a major soccer venue, for example, for regional events.

Central to this is the enhancement of existing infrastructure to be able to accommodate both FWW games and regional events. FWW has provided a potential development option for the southern amenities at Rawlings Park and this is attached in Appendix C.

Ideally, Rawlings Park would be fenced – allowing for greater control and payment (Note: public access could still be provided outside of match times).

A critical issue with Rawlings Park is the park being used as a cricket venue.

It is crucial to develop a home base for clubs so that they can develop: volunteers, fundraising, revenue and club dynamic

Allows for the development of club philosophies.

Must allow for future growth, for example, increased junior participation.

SWOT

The following points were identified as overall weaknesses for the sport.

Lack of volunteers.

Poor condition of facilities and pitches – the varying sizes of the pitches diminish from preferred consistency.

Canteens do not meet regulation under codes.

The following points were identified as strengths:

Parents are passionate and enthusiastic.

Enhanced referee landscape, as they are now under the jurisdiction of FWW.

Increased game development due to the implementation of OSSF and talent development pathways.

The following points were identified as challenges:

Coaching development and qualifications.

Potential growth of 50% in next 10 years.

The following points were identified as opportunities:

Rapid growth of participation particularly in females and juniors.

Set standards for amenities.

Enhanced coaching accreditation.

The provision of a synthetic surface which could allow for games all year round

Increased elite level pathways.

Future relocation of OSSF back to training grounds.

Forest Hill is underutilized and if lighting was improved, it could become a club venue.

Fencing at Rawlings Park would generate revenue.

Goalkeeping training facility.

LGA relationship.



Growth of Forest Hill residential area over the next 10 years would align with a soccer club being located in that area.

Development of Rawlings North is an opportunity to, for example, develop a synthetic pitch which would not be affected by climate and could enhance technical development.

Can Henwood Park Soccer Club use Henwood Oval as a training location?

Can Rawlings Park Pitch 6 be run east-west instead of north-south?

6.3 Wagga Wagga Football Clubs The following information provides a summary of consultation undertaken with Wagga Wagga football clubs.

6.3.1 Henwood Park Soccer Club

A meeting was conducted with a representative of the Henwood Park Soccer Club and the following is a summary of the key findings.


Largest club in Wagga Wagga with about 500 members and 50 teams from under 6 to seniors.

Club has been growing and currently has unmet demand.

The club has a young group of seniors and has focused on the development of females over the last few years.

The club doesn’t budget for profit.

Built and paid for a club-house in the middle Rawlings Park.

Main training field is on RP 8.

Club prefers that seniors only train at night with juniors training times earlier.

Training can have between 30 to 60 participants session hence high demand on the pitches.

Club has a lease agreement on the club-house with the Council.

The club starts seniors training in January and co-shares the grounds with cricket.

Key Issues

For talented players the sport has become all year however access to suitable facilities in summer is a weakness.

Maintaining quality of pitches that get both training and competition usage,

High level of drop out from the sport at the age of around 15 and 16. However with a young group of seniors, the club is positive about the future.

No toilets in club-house is a significant issue.

Parking is an issue for training, restricted to Forest Street. Council has previously upgraded however quantity is still an issue.

RP 8 pitch is a poor standard and it is generally very hard perhaps due to the clay base.

RP6 is too small for senior’s football.

Bolton Park, which is used for OSSF has a number of weaknesses:

- Car parking is inadequate to service the level of activity and Bolton Park is on major roads.



- General storage space at venues is poor.

Key Opportunities

Capability to install lighting to north of RP7.

Potential development of a synthetic pitch in the northern precinct of Rawlings Park.

Ideally it would be beneficial to have more clubs as long as the level of competition was not diminished.

6.3.2 Lake Albert Soccer Club

A phone conference was conducted with a representative of the Lake Albert Soccer Club and the following is a summary of the key findings.

Overview

The Lake Albert Soccer Club was established almost 30 years ago, serving the community of Lake Albert and surrounds as a progressive soccer club for all ages. The club has averaged approximately 400 registered players per season over the last few years, and fields’ teams in all age division. The vast majority of members live in the Lake Albert area.

The club trains at Rawlings Park and consider it the 'home' ground. The club-house, which is leased from Council, is located in the old day-care centre at the Park, is used for club meetings, presentation days, training, amenities, and storage. The club also own several storage containers which are located at Rawlings Park. In recent years, the club has invested significant funds into improving training facilities including lighting and kicking nets.

The major future location and facility objectives for the club are as follows:

Lake Albert Soccer Club insists that training facilities must be located in Lake Albert.

Lake Albert Soccer Club insists on having a single training facility for all its members. Any training facility must be large enough to accommodate all playing members.

If Lake Albert was to be relocated to another ground for training, it would be expected that this would have similar infrastructure as currently provided at Rawlings Park (e.g. lights, playing nets, goal posts etc.). Any relocation at no cost to members.

Key Issue

The training pitches at Rawlings Park generally deteriorate through-out the course of the year making them almost unplayable at times.

6.3.3 South Wagga Soccer Club

A meeting was conducted with a representative of the South Wagga Soccer Club and the following is a summary of the key findings.


Operate out of the Showgrounds and hence maintain the facilities.

Been at the Showgrounds since the year 2000.

Use the facilities for home games and training sessions.

Is a seniors club only with two teams and about 46 members.

The club runs a twilight half-pitch summer competition at Maher Oval as fundraiser. The competition has about 240 players and has unmet demand of about 80 players.

The lighting at the Showgrounds was a major attractor to the venue for the club.

The club was established in 2000.



The majority of the members are non-Wagga residents (i.e. army, air-force and university students).

The club is structured as an incorporated body with a CEO and a Board of Directors.

Key Issues

Lack of supportive administrative support and volunteers.

The cost to participants to be a member in the sport. It is estimated that approximately $200 per individual goes outside the club (i.e. FWW, Council, FNSW and Insurance).

Key Opportunities

Possibility for sport administration to focus on business elements such as sponsorship and Council relationship.

Separation of training spaces from match day facilities (particularly goal-mouth spaces).

Possibility to develop dedicated smaller training spaces at Rawlings Park and even on the north east corner of Gissing Oval (with an 18 yard box and a penalty box).

Potential for the development of a goalkeeper’s area (with sand) on the south east corner of Gissing Oval.

6.3.4 Tolland Soccer Club

A phone interview was conducted with a representative of the Tolland Soccer Club and the following is a summary of the key findings.


The club has approximately 400 members and 37 teams with both juniors and seniors.

The club has invested in lighting at Kessler Park and this has been used for two seasons.

The club was considering upgrades to the amenities but has now planned to invest any funds into the playing surfaces (i.e. drainage and surface quality). The club investigated a potential development of the club-house for Kessler Park and this is attached as Appendix D.

Key Issues

The quality of playing surfaces is the critical issue for the sport in Wagga.

Improvement of surfaces is critical for the technical development of players.

Key Opportunities

Consideration should be given to the development of the synthetic surfaces for training and/or matches.

The club has previously used the synthetic Wagga hockey facilities for training.

6.3.5 Uranquinty Soccer Club

A meeting was conducted with a representative of the Uranquinty Soccer Club and the following is a summary of the key findings.


This year the club had approximately 39 members with two senior men’s teams, in the first and thirds.

Next year will most likely have one third team only.



The longer term members are passionate about the club and put energy into its operation.

Key Issues

Was unable to use the ground this season due to the impact on the surface of a new in-ground watering system.

The club is operated on a year by year basis hence stability is a critical issue.

Lighting is inadequate for training purposes and could be improved.

6.3.6 Wagga United Soccer Club

A meeting was conducted with a representative of the Wagga United Soccer Club and the following is a summary of the key findings.


Club has historically had good junior numbers but faulted with seniors. The senior situation has subsequently improved.

Club has grown from about 360 members to about 430 of recent times with about 39 teams.

Has formed good relationships with local schools with the club providing basic equipment and support.

Have a policy of player equity (i.e. pitch time and general support) and general participation (i.e. policies on maximum squad numbers).

The club has a very strong and committed committee.

Traditionally based at the Duke of Kent however this has been unavailable due to the condition of the ground.

The club has a very active website.

Key Issues

In 2011 the club generated approximately $85K in fees etc. but paid about $65K out for affiliations and fees etc.

Due to the unavailability of the Duke of Kent, the club has used a number of different venues which has resulted in logistics challenges, increased volunteer requirements and a fragmented delivery model.

Key Opportunities

The club like the seniors to play a role in mentoring the junior players.

The club like the juniors to be given occasional opportunities to play with the seniors.

Hence the club model is to create an integrated approach between seniors and juniors.

Improved lighting is critical.

Enhanced storage is critical.

An appropriately fitted out café to assist with fundraiser and volunteer development.

The sport ideally requires a dedicated football facility in Wagga to create a home for football.



7 Critical Soccer Strategy Drivers Based on a review of the details contained in the previous Sections, the following information provides a summary of the critical drivers associated with the development of a Wagga Wagga soccer strategy.

Wagga Wagga Sporting Culture

Wagga Wagga has a unique sporting culture as highlighted by: its success in gaining community representation in national teams, general participation in sporting activity and community involvement in sport.

Consistent with this, the City of Wagga Wagga acknowledges the critical role that it plays in the provision of sporting infrastructure and general support to sport. As an example, the Long Term Financial Plan outlines Councils commitment to the enhancement of soccer facilities with allocations of $1.013M in the 2012/13 financial year and $1.06M in the 2013/14 financial year for infrastructure works.

Demographic Changes and Demand

The City of Wagga Wagga has some unique demographic characteristics that both highlight demand for sport, including soccer, and indicate increased demand in the future, these include:

In 2006, 17.3% of the population was under the age of 11 while the 17 - 24 year age group constitutes 13.5% of Wagga’s population compared to 9.2% for NSW.




The overall population of Wagga Wagga is projected to increase by 19.7K or 33% in the period 2006 to 2031.

Soccer Participation Levels

Soccer participation levels in Wagga Wagga have continued to increase over recent years with the overall growth summarised as follows:

There has been a 9.5% increase in the total FWW membership numbers in the period 2006 until 2010.



In addition to the above, an analysis of soccer participation in NSW and nationally indicates the following:

There has been a 5.5K or 13.5% increase in NSW female participation numbers in the period from 2006 to 2010.

There has a 10.5K or 5.3% increase in overall NSW participation levels in the period from 2006 until 2010.

It is understood that FNSW has the highest membership number of any State based sporting association in Australia.



Football is Australia’s most popular organised team sport with 1.7M participants – more than the three other major football codes combined.

Nationally in 2010, soccer was the ninth most participated physical activity for individuals over the age of 15 years old with 844K participants.

In the period 2001 - 2010, national soccer participation for individual over 15 years old grew by 333K or 53%.

Soccer Based Trends

A number of major soccer related trends, both regional and local, are influencing the future direction of the sport, these factors include:

The increase in female participation is creating additional demand for the provision of appropriate female amenities and a “female friendly” sport culture. In addition, with an increase in participation there are also increased expectations associated with the provision of suitable amenities for spectators (i.e. car-parking, toilets, kiosk, shade etc.).

The introduction and growth of OSSF (small sided games) has required soccer organisations to provide a number of different pitch configurations for the sport. In addition, increased junior participation is putting pressure on the provision of full sized for under 12’s onwards.

The current FFA soccer curriculum has an increased emphasis on the technical aspects of skill development with the “ball on the ground” style of play. This style of soccer is putting greater pressure on Councils to provide quality, even, playing surfaces.

Variable climatic conditions in Australia with both excessive rain and droughts together with the “ball on the ground” style of play has resulted in a substantial increase in the provision of synthetic pitches (Note: these surfaces can also be used for a range of other sports and recreational activities). These pitches have now been recognised by the international governing body FIFA for elite competitions.

Opportunities exist for the conduct of regional, state based and other mass participation events (e.g. State Championships). These events have differing venue requirements but can contribute significant economic benefit to the region.

Current Situation

In addition to the points raised above, a number of current situational factors identified by FWW, local clubs and Council are critical to the development of both a soccer strategy for Wagga Wagga and the prioritisation of capital works for sport development. These critical points are identified as follows:

Whilst the overall quality of match day and training surfaces has been improved in recent times, a number of significant issues still exist. In particular Rawlings Park pitches 3, 4, 5 and 6 have poor drainage and the pitches break up after heavy rain.

Existing pitches for seniors are a variety of dimensions (refer Section 4.3), in particular pitch 6 at Rawlings Park is undersize (i.e. 94m by 62m) and hence FWW receives ongoing complaints from clubs.

The existing amenities at Rawlings Park are inadequate for general FWW match day use and also regional events. As the major match day venue for the sport it is important that these amenities be upgraded.

A number of the canteen’s do not currently meet updated Health Department regulations.

Bolton Park, which is used for OSSF, has some constraints and/or issues that may impact on future suitability. These include: inadequate car-parking, quality of the grounds (gets very wet in winter), limited amenities and potential impact from Robertson Park Master Plan.



8 Capital Works Directions Priorities Based on above analysis, the following capital works items are identified for the ongoing enhancement of the sport.

8.1 Recommendations 1) Improvement of pitch condition at Rawlings Park (Regional Facility).

a) Enhance drainage in Council Area 2 of Rawlings Park (noted in Appendix A as the area associated with Rawlings Park pitches 3, 4, 5 and 6).

b) Field improvement on of pitch 1 to meet demand as the premier pitch for the regional facility.

2) Infrastructure development at Rawlings Park.

a) Enhance and upgrade the match day and regional amenities at Rawlings Park as outlined in Appendix C in order to meet contemporary event facility requirements.

b) Enhance and upgrade the car-parking at the end of Angel Street to ensure suitability all year round – refer aerial below for designated area.

c) Enhance spectator’s facilities on Pitch 1.

Image: Proposed Rawlings Park Car-park Upgrade

3) Optus Small Sided Football venue upgrade.

a) Demolish existing and develop a new amenity at Duke of Kent at an alternate location to accommodate the planned relocation of OSSF from Bolton Park in 2012 and training for Wagga United SC. (Note: It is recommended that the new amenity be consistent with other Council developments with a cost of up to $400K as opposed to the design previously prepared by Council which was costed at between $700k and $825K - refer Appendix E).

4) Meet statutory compliance requirements.

a) Upgrade the kiosk at the proposed regional facility, Rawlings Park, to ensure compliance with revised Health Department guidelines.



5) Standardisation of dimensions for match day pitches at Rawlings Park.

a) Consider the reorientation of Rawlings Park pitch 6 to east west to be able to ensure dimensions of at least 100m by 68m.

6) Improve the playing surfaces at Rawlings Park fields RP7 and RP8.

Work with FWW and the clubs to further consider the potential options associated with the improvement of ground conditions at Rawlings Park 7 and 8 (refer Appendix A). These options could potentially include the following:

a) Provision of synthetic surfaces in the Rawlings Park precinct for club training purposes to reduce the load on these fields.

b) Relocation of the two clubs based at Rawlings Park at potential locations Forest Hill and Henwood Park.

c) Any other options as identified by the clubs.

Note: It is recommended that FWW further liaise with the clubs to resolve this issue.

7) Potential other enhancements (requiring further investigation).

a) Fence Rawlings Park 1 (Council Area 1) to control match day access, preserve the quality of the pitch and generate revenue which could potentially contribute to funding sport capital developments. Football Wagga would be encouraged to apply for WWCC Sporting and Cultural Facilities grant to achieve this. (Note: fencing would need to be designed to allow for appropriate public access outside of usage times).

b) Further explore the feasibility of providing synthetic surfaces for soccer training and/or match day and also alternate sports and recreational activities. Potential options include the following: a) small training facility synthetic at Gissing Oval (this site is identified as it is fenced and is currently used by FWW for soccer development pathways), b) a larger match day pitch in the Rawlings Park precinct (this site is identified as it is the Regional Facility location with potential space available) and/or c) consider ongoing use of the existing Wagga hockey synthetic pitches as an alternative training location.

c) Enhance lighting at training venues including Rawlings Park 1, Duke of Kent and subject to longer term demand, Rawlings Park 3.

d) Develop a goalkeeper’s academy space (with a sand based area) at an appropriate location.

e) Install a set of training goals at an appropriate location (i.e. off the main pitch) to allow for shooting practice at training and reduce the load on the match pitches.

f) Lighting upgrade of Forest Hill.

8.2 Associated Costings Based on the information outlined in Section 8.1 (above), the following table provides a summary of estimated costs associated for each item:



Item Number

Item Location Cost $K

(Low) Cost $K (High)

Comment

1a Enhance drainage in Council Area 2 Rawlings Park $120K $120K Based on $40K per field Exhibition Centre improvements.

1b Field improvement on Pitch 1 Rawlings Park $60K $80K Levelling and top dressing,

2a Enhance Amenities Rawlings Park $300K $400K Refer Appendix F for QS details with provisions for additional landscaping, construction preparation and design.

2b Enhance Angel Street car-park Rawlings Park $70K $100K Based on previous car-park related works.

2c Enhanced spectator facilities Rawlings Park $300K $300K Based on previous works experience.

3a Develop new amenity Duke of Kent $300K $400K Based on previous Council projects.

4a Upgrade kiosk Rawlings Park $125K $125K Based on current upgrade of Jubilee park kiosk.

5a Reorientation of Pitch 6 Rawlings Park $1K $1K Provisional sum for minor works.

7a Fencing of Pitch 1 Rawlings Park $30K $40K Based on previous Council fencing.

7b Provision of synthetic surface NA $0K $0 Requires a detailed study (i.e. based on site etc.).

7c Enhanced lighting on Pitch 1 Rawlings Park $150K $180K Based on previous similar lighting projects.

7c Enhanced lighting Duke of Kent $150K $180K Based on previous similar lighting projects.

7c Enhanced lighting on Pitch 3 Rawlings Park $100K $150K Based on 2 new poles and upgrade of existing fittings.

7d Goalkeepers Academy Space NA $0 $0 NA

7e Practice training goals NA $0 $0 NA

7f Lighting Upgrade Forest Hill $180K $180K Based on long term plan financial plan.

TOTAL $1.886M $2.256M

Table: Capital Works Costings for Proposed Developments

Based on the summary provided above, it is estimated that the indicative total cost for the works outlined (excluding item 7b) is between $1.886M and $2.256M.



9 Wagga Wagga Soccer Action Plan As part of the Wagga Wagga soccer strategy development process, Coffey Sport and Leisure undertook a range of research and consultation processes including:

A review of Council reports and strategies.

An analysis of demographic factors.

Consultation with relevant stakeholder groups including Council, Football Wagga Wagga and Wagga Wagga Clubs.

A review of industry trends both nationally and locally.

A review of the current soccer situation in Wagga Wagga which included facilities and participation levels.

The key findings associated with the above reviews/analysis led to the identification of the Critical Soccer Strategy Drivers as detailed in Section 7 and these drivers formed the basis of the Capital Works Directions Priorities (outlined in Section 8). This information together with the additional information provided below forms the key inputs into the Wagga Wagga Soccer Action Plan which is outlined later in this section.

9.1 Second Round Consultation As an extension of the stakeholder engagement process the key findings were presented at an interactive workshop on Thursday 5th March. The attendees at this meeting endorsed “in- principle” the proposed capital works direction. They were also encouraged to further consult with their club and association committees, boards and members to provide any additional feedback either on the proposed capital works direction and the broader soccer strategy for Wagga Wagga. The following information provides a summary of feedback received from this process.

Wagga United Football5 Club Feedback

Enthusiastic about the plan and supportive of the recommended works plans.

The club is based at Duke of Kent hence the proposed improvements provide an opportunity for further club development.

The club would like to work with FWW and Council to procure funding for any works and/or club development.

Would prefer to use the venue for “home games” with OSSF eventual moved from the facility to reduce load.

Rawlings Park proposed development is supported with consideration required to develop the parcel of land important for future proofing.

Jubilee Park could be considered for use in the future as it appears underutilised.

Lake Albert Soccer Club Feedback

Very important for the sport to have a Strategic Planning document.

The plan should have a longer term focus to ensure that the sport can cater for projected growth.

The club would be prepared to be involved in relevant funding procurement as long as it had future agreed benefit.

5 Note: the terms football and soccer are used interchangeably.



9.2 Summary of Action Plan Based on the previous information the following factors are identified as central to the future direction of soccer in Wagga Wagga. (Note: Item numbers continue from those in Section 8.2 above).

Item Number

Issue or Opportunity Recommendation

8

The overall growth and demand for participation in soccer has put pressure on the provision of infrastructure in Wagga Wagga.

A facilities hierarchy which incorporates the following:

Wagga Wagga Soccer Facilities Hierarchy

A.Robertson Oval Major Events and Special Events

B. Rawlings Park

“Home of Soccer”

Major Regional Events

Club Matches

C. Duke of Kent Optus Small Sided Football (Next three years)

Club Training

D. Other Existing Venues

Club Training

Overflow and Junior Games

Future Optus Small Sided Games (four years plus)

E. New Synthetic Facility (refer point 3 below)

Training and matches

Relevant Notes B. Develop Rawlings Park as the “home of soccer” with proposed improvements

includes: enhanced drainage, amenities, car-parking and standardisation of pitch dimensions.

E. The development of a synthetic pitch is proposed to accommodate increased demand, cater for variable weather conditions and provide all year round access.



Item Number


9

Optus Small Sided Games has previously been conducted at Bolton Park however this facility is no longer suitable.

a) Develop the Duke of Kent as the Optus Small Sided Games facility.

10 Variable weather (hot and rain) together with level of use is impacting on the quality and access to pitches.

a) Consider the development of a synthetic surface at Wagga Wagga. Consider site options with a particular focus on the Rawlings Park northern precinct (refer below)



Item Number


11

Opportunities for participation in social and other forms of soccer are limited in Wagga Wagga but are growing in other areas of the country.

a) Work in conjunction with the current Indoor Stadium feasibility study to create further opportunities for participation e.g. futsal and 5-A-side. (Note: current participation numbers in futsal in NSW equate to 1.6% of the over 16 population, which is up from 0.8% in 2001).

12

Identify areas of shared opportunity between Council and the sport and work collaboratively to achieve outcomes.

a) Ensure regular strategic meetings with key soccer stakeholders to discuss the key outcomes incorporated in this document.

b) Continue collaborative club funding applications that are consistent with the outcomes of the capital directions recommendations.

c) Introduce a volunteer recognition program that encourages involvement in the sport. d) Continue to work collaboratively to attract major regional events and other events

with the view of conducting them at Robertson Oval and/or Rawlings Park. e) Identify partnership opportunities (e.g. university, DET, private education, Show

Society, Murrumbidgee Turf Club) to further grow the sport and provide additional facilities.

13 Consider the development of a new club in the future in areas of projected growth.

a) Review the demand for a club in the Forest Hill area particularly given that existing facilities can be utilised and that the defence force community could be involved.

14

The Australian Soccer technical program has evolved significantly of recent times with a strong focus now on playing the ball on the ground.

a) Continue the coaching education program to ensure that junior player development is consistent with the national curriculum.

15 Review use of Gissing Oval b) Subsequent to the development of Rawlings Park and Robertson Oval, review Gissing Oval use with the potential of it being a multi-purpose facility.

Table: Wagga Wagga Soccer Action Plan



9.3 Implementation Plan The following table provides a summary of a proposed implementation plan for those items outlined in Section 8.3 – Capital Works and Section 9.2 – Action Plan.

Item Number

Item Location Funding Source 2012/13* 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 Total

Cost* $K $K ('000)

CAPITAL WORKS ITEMS

1a

Enhance drainage in Council Area 2

Rawlings Park

Soccer Development Strategy Implementation/Facility Development Budget

$120 $120

1b Field improvement on Pitch 1

Rawlings Park


$80 $80

2a Enhance Amenities

Rawlings Park


$350 $350

2b Enhance Angel Street car-park

Rawlings Park


$100 $100

2c Enhanced spectator facilities

Rawlings Park

Budget variation on allocated Duke amenities upgrade 2013/14

$300 $300

3a Develop new amenity

Duke of Kent

Allocated in LTFP 2013/14(GPR)

$400 $400

4a Upgrade kiosk

Rawlings Park


$125 $125

Note: Table continued on next page.



Item Number

Item Location Funding Source 2012/13* 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 Total

Cost* $K $K ('000)

CAPITAL WORKS ITEMS (Continued)

5a Reorientation of Pitch 6

Rawlings Park


$1 $1

7a Fencing of Pitch 1

Rawlings Park


$34 $34

7b Provision of synthetic surface1

NA Unfunded Project $40 $1,000 $1,040

7c Enhanced lighting on Pitch 1

Rawlings Park


$180 $180

7c Enhanced lighting

Duke of Kent


$180 $180

7c Enhanced lighting on Pitch 3

Rawlings Park


$150 $150

7d Goalkeepers Academy Space

NA NA $0

7e Practice training goals

NA NA $0

7f Lighting Upgrade

Forest Hill


$180 $180

Total $1,140 $880 $0 $40 $1,000 $0 $180 $0 $0 $0 $3,240

*Note: 2012/13 proposed works are subject to successful application to the Local Infrastructure Renewal Funding Scheme.

Table: Wagga Wagga Soccer Costings Plan



No. Description 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22

8 Develop and implement facilities hierarchy *

9 Relocate Optus Small Sided Games to Duke of Kent *

10 Review synthetic pitch provision options * *

11 Opportunities for social soccer participation * *

12 Council and soccer shared opportunities * * * * * * * * * *

13 New club development *

14 Technical program delivery * * * * * * * * *

15 Review use of Gissing Oval *

Table: Wagga Wagga Soccer Implementation Plan

9.4 Funding Procurement The recommendations of the report propose an associated capital spend of approximately $3.24M over a ten year period. Whilst Council has future allocations for a component of this cost, it is recommended that Council seek funding contributions from, or in collaboration with, the following key stakeholders:

Football New South Wales.

Football Wagga Wagga.

Local clubs.

In addition, it is further recommended that Council use this document as background to applying for funds from both the State and Federal Governments.



Appendix A Existing Soccer Site Pitch Layouts



Appendix B Robertson Oval - Bolton Park Master Plan

Bolton ParkWagga Wagga Sporting Venues

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1. Expand Aquatic Centre to include green space at the corner of Morgan Street and Fitzhardinge Street – incorporate playground, café and outdoor dining, and new beach volleyball facilities. Enclose facility with Palisade fencing.

2. Consolidate gymnasium into new facility within the frontage to the aquatic centre addressing Morgan Street.

3. Open up swimming pool area incorporating grassed areas, shade areas, potential new entry and seating.

4. Expand the Bolton Park Stadium to incorporate two new indoor courts, new youth facility and Airborne Gymnastics, new change facilities and amenities, and two covered outdoor all purpose courts (netball and basketball).

5. Plaza entry to Bolton Park.

6. Expand car park to frontage of Morgan Street. Incorporate shade tree planting.7. Expand skate park facility to the east.8. Extend dual bicycle/pedestrian path for the perimeter of the whole site.9. New pathway across the facilities linking Bolton Park to Fitzhardinge Street.10. Relocate Bolton Park Amenities to a location adjacent to the car park. Cover

open stormwater pit.11. ‘Show court’ for the tennis centre developed in current location.12. Remove access from the highway. Provide new pedestrian access from the

car park.13. New boulevarde planting to Edward Street edge for the length of open space.14. Provide entry to Robertson Oval along frontage to Edward Street, to connect

into Bolton Park.

15. Terraced seating and grassed banks to the eastern and western wings to enable spectator space as required for AFL.

16. Maximise open space around Robertson Oval. Temporary amenities facility for match days to the south west. Maintain practice cricket wickets in current location.

17. Expand South Wagga Bowling Club to incorporate current road.18. Maintain Robertson Oval playing area in its current configuration.19. Upgrade change facilities under existing grandstand.20. New service access and parking to Robertson Oval.21. Chemical storage shed for the Aquatic Centre.22. Expand croquet to enable establishment of a 3rd green.

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February 2010Wagga Wagga City Council Bolton Park/Robertson Oval & Exhibition Centre Masterplans


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1. Expand Aquatic Centre to include green space at the corner of Morgan Street and Fitzhardinge Street – incorporate playground, café and outdoor dining, and new beach volleyball facilities. Enclose facility with palisade fencing.

2. Consolidate gymnasium into new facility within the frontage to the aquatic centre addressing Morgan Street.

3. Open up swimming pool area incorporating grassed areas, shade areas, potential new entry and seating.

4. Expand the Bolton Park Stadium to incorporate two new indoor courts, new youth facility and Airborne Gymnastics, new change facilities and amenities, and two covered outdoor all purpose courts (netball and basketball).

5. New plaza entry to Bolton Park.6. Expand car park to frontage of Morgan Street. Incorporate shade tree planting.7. Expand skate park facility to the east.

8. Extend dual bicycle/pedestrian path for the perimeter of the whole site.9. New pathway across the facilities linking Bolton Park to Fitzhardinge Street, and

service vehicle access to Tennis Centre.10. Relocated Croquet Club incorporating new clubrooms and 3 full size greens.11. Relocate Bolton Park Amenities to a location adjacent to the car park. Cover

open stormwater pit. Remove centrally located trees to provide flexibility for playing areas.

12. ‘Show court’ for the tennis centre relocated adjacent to Bolton Park. Relocation of 7 tennis courts to the east.

13. New boulevarde planting to Edward Street edge for the length of open space.14. Provide entry to Robertson Oval along frontage to Edward Street, to connect

into Bolton Park.15. New amenities building to south eastern and south western corners of Robert-

son Oval.16. Maximise open space around Robertson Oval. Terraced seating and grassed

banks to eastern and western wings - increase spectator banks along the eastern wing by an additional 1400m2.

17. Extend South Wagga Bowling Club over existing road and croquet area.18. Extend Robertson Oval playing area to the east (170m x 145m).19. New 1500 seat spectator stand; amenities/change rooms and Wagga Tiger

Club rooms incorporated into a pavilion structure connected to new South Wagga Bowling Club.

20. New service access and parking to Robertson Oval.21. New cricket practice area.22. Chemical storage shed for the Aquatic Centre.23. Existing grade car park to be utilised for multi deck parking.



Appendix C Potential Rawlings Park Amenities Development



Appendix D Potential Kessler Park Amenities Development



Appendix E Previous Duke of Kent Amenity Potential Development



Appendix F Rawlings Park Amenities Development Costings

soccer development strategy

Documents

football wagga wagga

wagga wagga council

wagga wagga football

wagga wagga club overview

wagga wagga soccer action

soccer participation

fww trends

contents coffey sport