FOOTBALL Mid North Coast general manager Bruce Potter has maintained Port Macquarie will remain as the long-term home for the governing body.
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Potter’s stance comes after reports FMNC is currently negotiating with MidCoast Council and the state government regarding a Centre of Excellence in Taree.
It won’t impact on plans for a football-only facility at Thrumster.
“Plans are well-advanced to have the home of Football Mid North Coast in Port Macquarie with administration, a training hub and a Centre of Excellence,” he said.
“It is greatly appreciated to have an option in Taree, but it doesn’t effect our long-term goals for Sovereign Hills.”
The project south of the Hastings would cost $9 to $10 million and would have seating for 2000 people and be of a standard to host Hyundai A-League matches and international friendlies.
It would include a main oval field and adjacent training grounds.
Potter said it would give FMNC a second quality facility in a zone that has more than 7000 members.
The general manager said it was important to note the Taree project would be multi-purpose and serve other sports.
“We welcome the opportunity to have two quality stadiums in the zone, but it would serve a different purpose to Port Macquarie,” he said.
“Port Macquarie is the home for Football Mid North Coast.”
FMNC chairman Mike Parsons echoed Potter’s sentiments and said the board and administration is committed to the Sovereign Hills development.
“It is viable long-term for the future growth and utilisation of the planned facility for A-League matches.
“It will house visiting international teams, state and national titles as well as be FMNC’s home of football.”
Mr Parsons and other FMNC board members and officials have spoken to Taree local member Stephen Bromhead, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres about possible funding, along with MidCoast Council.
He described the talks as ‘encouraging.’
Mr Parsons assured the complex would be used extensively at a domestic level for National Premier League and Women’s Premier League fixtures involving Football Mid North Coast teams along with FMNC Premier League and even Southern League games.
“This will be a multi purpose facility and will serve other sports as well as our brand of football but our sport will be the primary user,” he said.
Football Mid North Coast’s Premier League grand finals are currently played at Port Macquarie while the Newcastle Jets played a trial game against FMNC northern and southern selections in Port Macquarie last year.
He said the complex would be a massive benefit to the Manning Valley in terms of tourism.
“Taree doesn’t have the same capacity to attract tourists as Port Macquarie or Forster-Tuncurry,’’ Mr Parsons said.