Glenorchy Knights score $1 million Federal Government grant

Photo (L-R):  Tyler Harrison, the Knights captain, Bob Gordon, FFT president, Tony Bacic, Knights president, Sam James, Knights player, Andrew Wilkie MP, and Declan Brown, Knights player [PlessPix]

The Federal Government will give $1 million to NPL Tasmania club Glenorchy Knights to provide a permanent club room for Knights at KGV Park.

The grant was announced today by Andrew Wilkie MHR, the Independent Member for Denison, and Knights president, Tony Bacic, at a media conference at KGV Park.

Bacic thanked Mr Wilkie for enabling the Federal Government grant.

“Andrew’s support for Tasmanian football is inspiring and to make this happen for our club is a dream come true,” Mr Bacic said.

“This project will involve the construction of a new viewing area for all football spectators to enjoy, a function room, office space, as well as a fully upgraded kitchen, kiosk and bar facilities.

“Over time, we will also look to upgrade the facilities at our grounds at Prince of Wales Bay, which are used by our youth teams and development programs.

Photo:  Knights president Tony Bacic points out some details to Andrew Wilkie MP [PlessPix]

“These new facilities will not only provide Glenorchy Knights with the infrastructure we require to meet the needs of our ever expanding player and supporter base, it also represents a much needed upgrade to the ageing facilities at KGV to the benefit of all Tasmanian football lovers.

“In that regard, this initial investment will form the first part of an overall investment strategy for the redevelopment of the facilities at KGV, including the much needed expansion of the change rooms as well as the upgrade of other facilities.

“We are very excited that this will truly make KGV the contemporary headquarters for Football Federation Tasmania and directly benefit thousands of players, coaches, referees and volunteers each year.

“Glenorchy Knights will work closely with Football Federation Tasmania to ensure that an efficient, coordinated approach is taken to realising this exciting overall redevelopment vision for KGV Football Park.”

Photo:  Senior and junior Glenorchy Knights players with club president Tony Bacic and Federal Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie [PlessPix]

Mr Wilkie said he was a strong advocate for Government support for sports and sporting infrastructure.

“Children, in particular, need access to healthy sports in safe environments run by good role models,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Clubs like the Glenorchy Knights are the lifeblood of communities and it’s so important that they have a permanent home with the highest standard of facilities.

“The Glenorchy Knights are a great club and have been an important part of the greater Hobart community for over 60 years.

“That’s why it’s excellent news that the Federal Government has committed $1 million to transform the existing Football Federation Tasmania facility at KGV into a multi-purpose facility with vibrant new clubrooms.

“The redevelopment will also mean that Football Federation Tasmania can relocate to elsewhere on the site as well as build other infrastructure, including new change rooms.”

Glenorchy Knights have been readmitted to the 2019 NPL Tasmania competition, the top-flight league in the State, after winning the second-tier Southern Championship league title for the past three years in a row.

Photo:  Andrew Wilkie MP and Knights president Tony Bacic shake on it [PlessPix]