By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
GREATER Dandenong should be home to an A-League soccer team in the next five to 10 years, according to councillor Jim Memeti.
The council area, with its rising numbers of soccer players, would be a natural fit for Victoria’s next A-League side outside Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City.
Cr Memeti thinks the ready-made fan-base – extending into Casey and Cardinia – could create a passionate club along the lines of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
“Soccer is growing at a ridiculous rate. We have more teams in Greater Dandenong than any other municipality in the state.
“If (Football Federation Australia) wants to grow the game nationally, the south-east of Melbourne should be the next place to locate a club.”
Cr Memeti said the council had been in talks with Melbourne’s A-League teams about setting up a local junior academy.
He said it would offer children “opportunities to reach their highest potential” as well as creating social dividends.
“There should always be opportunities for all kids to play team sports with adult supervision. It’s better than having them out on the streets.”
According to the council’s 2014 sports facilities report, the sport also has more registered players in the municipality than Australian Rules.
In the past six years, its numbers have risen to 1918 players while Aussie Rules has dropped to 1395.
Two possible sites for an A-League club are Greaves Reserve and Tatterson Park, both nominated by the council as venues for a possible soccer hub, with its A-grade pitch, two synthetic pitches, an overflow pitch, a futsal court and pavilion.
Cr Memeti said Greaves Reserve is ideal for its proximity to Dandenong and Yarraman railway stations, and EastLink.
Tatterson Park is also set to receive a $10 million pavilion and grandstand within the next two years.
The council’s draft plan for the hub has yet to be endorsed and would require an external partner and funding to meet its significant cost, according to the council report.
Mark Doubleday, the council’s community director, said the council would be prepared to talk to groups interested in setting up a local A-League side.
He said the council had to take into the account how such a plan could be a win-win for residents and an A-League club.
“One of council’s key goals is building partnerships that benefit residents.”
He said Greaves Reserve site was a “worthwhile” option for further development but current groups and clubs had to be taken into account.
“Cr Memeti is right to think this could be a success and council would need to take into account all views in any future planning on this.”
