The upgrades to Clennett’s Lightwood Park are underway, ensuring that Kingborough Lions FC’s home ground will be given a significant opportunity to potentially host training basecamps for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
As an extension to the news from Kingborough Lions United Football Club (KLUFC) earlier this year, the club were recipients of a portion of the Tasmanian Government’s $10 million pledge to upgrade facilities in preparation for hosting World Cup content. Devonport’s Valley Road, Launceston’s Birch Avenue and Churchill Park also received valuable funding.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley sees the opportunity to host a travelling World Cup team as an exciting one for Tasmania.
“We know FIFA are in the process of shortlisting facilities, so it’s fantastic to see work begin so quickly here at Clennett’s Lightwood Park to bring the ground up to scratch and make it an attractive prospect for visiting teams,” he said.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the third biggest sporting event on the planet, and while it was disappointing for Tasmania not to host any tournament matches, the opportunities stemming from hosting training camps and warm-up games are still huge, both for football and the economy.
“Not only will travelling teams and support staff provide the own boosts to the local economy, but the travelling media contingent is massive, and many fans will also want to base themselves near their players and commute to games.
“With the eyes of a nation on their team for a month, we can also expect to see great exposure for Tasmania, helping attract new tourists for years to come as we continue to rebuild from the impacts of the pandemic.”
Kingborough Lions FC President Brian Downes explained the upgraded facility would greatly enhance the growing club’s ability to provide opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels.
“Once completed, the new complex will contain eight changerooms on the ground floor with new club rooms, catering facilities and seating upstairs, making football more accessible for the club’s 600 plus players, and the thousands more that play there each month,” Downes said.
“As well as giving us a great shot of seeing some of the world’s best players here at Clennett’s Lightwood Park, this will help Kingborough Lions FC enhance participation and delivery of all services the club offers to the Kingborough community for many years after the World Cup has finished.
“The additional funding from the Federal Government will not only allow for the total completion of the new building, but will contribute towards further improvements around the main ground including an improved playing surface, new lights to 500 lux standard and improved security and fencing.”
