Alpine Shire Council and the Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club proudly celebrated the official reopening of their newly refurbished facility last week.
The completion of the modernised clubrooms mark a significant milestone for the club and the local community.
Around 40 people braved the cold to witness the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and enjoy a tour of the upgraded facilities.
The refurbishment project, valued at $1.9M, was made possible through the Australian Government's Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program. The extensive upgrades were carried out between September 2023 and May 2024, during the off-season, to ensure minimal disruption to the club’s activities.
Council, acting on behalf of the Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club, provided project management and grant administration services.
The renovations included remodeling the change rooms, expanding the kitchen, establishing a first aid room, relocating the umpires' room, and upgrading the public toilets, building access, and car parking to ensure accessibility for all.
The new facilities are now more energy-efficient, featuring LED sensor lights, reverse cycle air conditioning, and energy-efficient appliances.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr John Forsyth, said the Savoy Soccer Club has always been a cornerstone of the not only Myrtleford, but Alpine Shire communities, bringing people together through the universal language of soccer.
"The upgrades were necessary to meet the growing needs of our community, especially with the increasing number of junior and female soccer players," he said.
"Soccer remains the most played team sport in Australia, with approximately 1.96 million people participating regularly.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Soccer Club Committee volunteers who made themselves available for design reviews, countless site meetings, and working bees to fix site drainage issues, install turf, and clear the site for construction.
"Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in bringing this project to life."
Council's Chief Executive Officer, Will Jeremy, said this project has been a labour of love for many, and it is incredibly exciting to see the culmination of so much hard work and dedication.
"The new universally designed change rooms and amenities will provide more opportunities for all participants, encouraging greater involvement in both organised and social physical activities," he said.
"I'd like to thank our contractor, Joss Construction, who were fantastic to work with and have helped bring this incredible facility back to life."
The refurbishment of the Savoy Soccer Club has already created immense benefits for the community, ensuring that this beloved institution will continue to thrive and bring people together for years to come.