Vision becomes clearer

June 17 2010

Shepparton News

Frank Trimboli's early scepticism of the planned upgrade of regional soccer facilities has turned to optimism following the formation of a football advisory body to drive the $7.5 million initiative.

Trimboli, who is Goulburn North East Football Association president, told The News in April that not enough consultation had occurred between Greater Shepparton City Council and the football community about the strategy's conception.

However, Trimboli said yesterday the formation of the 12-member advisory body was a positive result.

"We'll be working alongside council on the design and what the stages are going to be and what the stages are. I think council is happy too and the group is ready to go," Trimboli said.

Council's recreation and parks manager Brendan Gosstray said council had received positive feedback from GNEFA, the clubs, Shepparton Junior Soccer Association and Goulburn North East Referees Branch since releasing details of the strategy in April.

"There's still a bit of work to be done in terms of the nittygritty, but they're comfortable with that," Gosstray said.

Gosstray said there was still the problem of funding and the strategy would need strong Victorian Government support if it was to be fully realised.

"We haven't made any headway, but we're applying where we can," he said.

"We've made an application for some funding to put up match quality lights at McEwen Reserve, but the big dollars that might be required to really deliver the strategy; they're going to require more support from the state government to make that happen."

Gosstray said if all went to plan, work on facilities could begin by July next year

GREATER SHEPPARTON FOOTBALL STRATEGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Robert Trevaskis (GNEFA), Megan Carr (GNEFA), Vince Sagolio (GNEFA), Mick Italia (SJSA), Peter Hill (SJSA), Karen Hocking (SJSA), Jane Webb (FFV zonal), Shaun Riley (FFV zonal), Chris Georgopolous (FFV zonal), Jim Kalafatis (FFV zonal), Frank Trimboli (GNEFA/FFV zonal), Temporary chair: Nick Monteleone (FFV director).