Newhaven soccer score home ground advantage

THE Phillip Island Breakers Soccer Club (PIBSC) officially celebrated the upgrade of their pavilion at Newhaven recreation reserve.

The renovation was completed by TS Constructions and funded by the State Government and Bass Coast Shire.

The new pavilion features two large club rooms that will be divided into four private areas with female friendly amenities to accommodate home and away teams, two female friendly referee rooms with private showers and toilets, a social room with kitchen and kiosk, a first aid room and storage rooms; providing players and referees with a suitable environment to conduct match and training days. 

PIBSC president Andrea Blair-Dempsey said the upgrade comes after their facilities could no-longer accommodate the numbers with all home and away players sharing open communal facilities before and after the games. 

“Our club has been running for over 28 years and we are continually growing – now the biggest club within Bass Coast and these new facilities will help us to expand; the female friendly facilities demonstrates that we are acknowledging gender quality in sport and that we are inclusive to all,” said Andrea. 

Over the past couple of years, the pandemic has been tough on grass roots sport, but PIBSC has managed to keep their kids engaged and apart of the club, offering social programs, including all abilities programs for those of all ages and with these new facilities, the committee is able to increase their capacity. 

“We are a volunteer club, so we would like to acknowledge the hard work of past and current committee members that have helped us get to where we are, without working together we wouldn’t have the facilities that we have today.” 

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale formalised the official opening acknowledging the club for their efforts, in providing an all-inclusive facility for the community. 

“I am thrilled that alongside Council, we have listened to the club’s needs and aspirations and supported them financially, all to improve the health and wellbeing, connectedness and participation in this great game,” said Jordan. 

Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan toured the new pavilion on Sunday morning and was pleased to see that the basic needs of female friendly facilities have been acknowledged and delivered. 

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian government visit www.sport.vic.gov.au