Adelaide Olympic secure permanent residency at APEX Football Stadium

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Football South Australia side Adelaide Olympic Football Club are now the tenants of the newly named APEX Football Stadium, formerly known as VALO Football Centre.

As part of the move into the State Centre for Football at Gepps Cross, Football SA has now officially handed keys to the venue located in Angle Park.

The venue opened its doors in 2015 and has previously hosted Australia Cup matches, Women’s NPLSA, RAA NPLSA and community events such as talent ID carnivals, regional camps, and the RAA African Nations Cup.

At the time of being built, the venue was the second full-size synthetic pitch in South Australia. Since 2015, the facility has expanded with the establishment of a second synthetic pitch accompanied with a grandstand.

Football South Australia CEO Michael Carter was extremely pleased to be handing over the facility to Adelaide Olympic.

“The Parks Football Centre (now known as Apex Stadium) being handed to Adelaide Olympic was a legacy tied to the establishment of the State Centre for Football. I am so pleased for Adelaide Olympic to be getting a quality home of their own,” he said in a statement.

Adelaide Olympic President, Stavros Parissos added via Football SA:

“From 23 junior players, no uniforms and serving drinks from a trestle table at a foreign ground 10 years ago to being a leading club with successful MiniRoos, Juniors and Senior teams including back to back Cup champions and now consolidation of all our operation at APEX Football Stadium I couldn’t be prouder.

“This couldn’t have happened without the support of our volunteers and supporters, the state Labor government of South Australia, the Office of Recreation and Sport & Football South Australia.”

A process has been started to change the venue name on Google Maps and on all livestream broadcasts.

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Football SA commits to quality with TigerTurf partnership

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Image credit: Bokeh Blur Background / Shutterstock.com

An industry leader in synthetic pitches and sports surface technology, TigerTurf will now team up with Football SA as a Preferred Supplier of Synthetic Pitches.

Supporting growth on and off the pitch

A key issue facing many clubs and districts across Australia’s football landscape is facility access.

Sharing venues and pitches with other winter sports restricts not just playing time, but pitch quality when access becomes available.

But with TigerTurf’s expertise, built over the course of 40 years in the industry, footballers in South Australia will now see the installation of quality and durable synthetic pitches designed to support their footballing journey.

“Football continues to experience strong and sustained growth across South Australia, and with that growth comes an increasing need for high-quality, sustainable and accessible facilities,” explained Football SA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Carter.

“Our role at Football SA is to support clubs not only on the field, but also in ensuring they have the infrastructure required to grow their communities and deliver football for generations to come.”

Furthermore, TigerTurf Australia General Manager, Travis Knight, also commented on the organisation’s mission to players and people across communities in South Australia.

“At TigerTurf, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy safe, reliable and high-quality spaces to play,” Knight said via press release.

“This partnership allows us to work alongside Football SA to create inclusive facilities that encourage more people to participate, stay active and feel part of the football community.”

 

Responding to participation

Football continues to be Australia’s most participated team sport. According to Football Australia, roughly 1.93 million people enjoy the beautiful game within clubs, schools, social settings and futsal.

In South Australia alone, 2024 saw total participation reach 126,934, emphasising the need for widespread facility access.

Thus, TigerTurf’s role in the industry goes far beyond pitch installation. Through its partnership with South Australia, they are ensuring current players can continue to develop as players, while also building strong foundations for future generations.

All-year-round access, reductions in weather cancellations, and long-term planning opportunities mean that synthetic pitches are a valuable investment.

And, partnered with the industry knowledge of TigerTurf, Football SA can expect this investment to return ten-fold in the form of participation, growth and community spirit.

Football NSW celebrates volunteers across football community

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Image credit: PeopleImages / Shutterstock.com

As National Volunteer Week gets underway from 18-24 May, Football NSW are championing the people who dedicate their time and efforts to supporting all across the football landscape.

Essential to sports

According to the Federal Government’s Australian Sports Commission, there are roughly 2.9 million Australians per year who give their free time and energy to sports across the country.

They are critical to the continued growth and culture of sports nationwide, especially within the football community.

Which is why, during National Volunteer Week, it is so important to recognise the contributions made by the people who uphold the game we love week-in week-out.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, commended volunteers in New South Wales and highlighted the vital role they play in the sport across the state.

“Football in New South Wales simply does not exist without volunteers,” Tstatsimas stated via press release.

“They are the heartbeat of our clubs and competitions, and their contribution is felt in every match played across the state each weekend.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the time, passion and dedication they bring to the game.”

 

Supporting operations behind-the-scenes

Volunteers, despite their fundamental role in the grassroots game, often go unseen in the chaos and excitement of a matchday.

But, as Football NSW emphasises, their responsibilities and contributions are wide-ranging leading up to fixtures to ensure players and supporters alike experience the best of grassroots football.

“Week in, week out, these dedicated individuals ensure football continues to thrive across the state, coaching junior teams, refereeing matches, managing squads, running canteens, preparing fields, coordinating fixtures and supporting clubs in countless behind-the-scenes roles,” Football NSW said via press release.

So this week serves as an important period to recognise the backbone of local football communities not only in New South Wales, but all states across the nation.

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