Coffs Harbour was due to host the Newcastle Jets' A-League trial fixture against Sydney FC on October 30 before regional travel restrictions put an end to that plan.

The reason is quite simple.

Port Macquarie Regional Stadium requires significant funding to bring it up to a level suitable to host professional sporting teams.

It's why Mr Parsons and FMNC continue to push a new football facility at Sovereign Hills because with no venue available in the Hastings, it is always an easy decision for the Jets not to exit the highway at the donut.

"Normally this game would have been held in Port Macquarie, but at this stage we simply don't have a suitable venue with suitable lighting," Mr Parsons said.

"Unfortunately it's another example of us lacking in that infrastructure for our number one participation sport in Australia. It again goes to Coffs Harbour who have benefited from this type of sport tourism for the last couple of decades."

Rather than be disappointed at another opportunity lost, Mr Parsons preferred to look ahead at the ongoing discussions they continue to have at all levels of government.

He is adamant it is a matter of when the new facility will be built, not if. It just requires patience.

"We've had some off-field discussions where we're going to be setting up a few more meetings and at this stage there is nothing I can disclose, but we're proactive in seeking funding," Mr Parsons said.

"Hopefully we will have some good news on the horizon. But having said that, it's another indication of where we'd like to be in terms of sports tourism and having that infrastructure to capitalise on what Coffs Harbour have done.

"They say Rome wasn't built in a day ... I wasn't around back then. I think it's more a question of looking forward to the future and being excited we will one day be able to host all these events and more."

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