Vicsport chairman Ron Gauci has unveiled a $4 million plan to redevelop the Altona City Soccer Club’s clubrooms and pavilion at H.C. Kim Reserve.
Mr Gauci gave a budget submission at last week’s Hobsons Bay council meeting. The club is calling for funds for what would be the club’s first major upgrade in 53 years.
The meeting heard the club had a 340-player base, which was expected to double by 2020.
Mr Gauci, whose family moved to the area last November, said his son chose Altona City because of the quality of the club.
“So, you can imagine how disappointed I was to see the facilities we have at the club and our clubrooms,” he said.
“I was disappointed to see that we have a club facility that isn’t DDA [Disability Discrimination Act] compliant, that has the risk of asbestos.
“In fact, I was embarrassed to see, a few weeks ago, a player break his leg and we couldn’t even get him into the room as he sat on a stretcher because of the facilities.
“I’m also very disappointed to see the number of girls and women playing at the club that don’t have their own facilities.”
Mr Gauci revealed architect plans for a two-storey building with a community facility on the second level so the club can generate revenue.
ACSC’s facilities weren’t identified as a priority under the council’s $95 million plan for infrastructure investment over the next decade.
The club’s submission will be considered by the council ahead of its budget-adoption meeting on June 26.
Related: $100m plan for Hobsons Bay sports
