PORT Macquarie FC are on the move.
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After spending the last 40 years at the familiar surrounds of Tuffins Lane, the sky blues have found a new home for the 2018 season and beyond.
From this season they will call Macquarie Park home although president Chris Barlow said the search for a new home had been ongoing.
“Discussions about a move to one ground had been ongoing for about five years, so the recent sale of Tuffins Lane really had little bearing on the final outcome,” he said.
With FC’s junior competitive teams playing home ground football at Macquarie Park on Friday nights and the club training there for 30 years, the venue seemed a logical choice for all involved.
“Football Mid North Coast and the local council are fully supportive of our move and we can now focus on improving the existing facilities,” Barlow said.
“We see the potential to develop Macquarie Park into a boutique football ground capable of hosting more than just local club matches.”
The oldest football team in Port Macquarie, formerly Port RSL and Port Panthers, will look to rebuild the fortress which led them to Premier League success in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2010.
“We are looking at a return to Premier League within the next two or three seasons, although there are no guarantees with promotion and relegation,” Barlow said.
The focus for the club in the meantime will be on youth development and building from the bottom up.
With all training and games moving to the new location, all storage and canteen services will also relocate.
It means hot food and coffee will be available on Wednesday and Friday nights along with Saturday mornings which are ensured to be a sports haven with the pool and netball courts nearby.
The club hope to field teams in all age groups 6-18, as well as men’s, women’s and over 35 outfits.
Registration is now open online or attend one of the club registration days on February 10 and 17, with the competition to commence in early April.
The club has also become a registered provider for the NSW Government’s Active Kids program.
Anyone who registers at the club and goes to school can apply for the $100 voucher to financially support registration fees or equipment fees.
For any further questions about registration please email: portfcregistrar@gmail.com.
