ON MONDAY, the Bannockburn Soccer Pitch and Soccer Pitch Lighting projects were officially opened by Golden Plains Mayor Des Phelan at a special ceremony at the Bannockburn Recreation Precinct.

The Precinct's football pitch is home to the Golden Plain's Soccer Club, which has fielded four senior teams - three Men's and one Women's - for the first time ever in 2016.

Officiating on behalf of Gayle Tierney MP, the Member for Western Victoria who was unable to attend, Cr Phelan said soccer is on the rise in the Shire and Council is a big supporter.

“It is clear that soccer is important to the people of our Shire, with the Golden Plains Soccer Club, which is based in Bannockburn, reporting a 345% increase in junior take-up from 2012 to 2015.”

“I’m also very happy to say the percentage of female soccer players in Golden Plains is 16% higher than the state average.

The Soccer Pitch project involved the construction of the Shire’s first ever soccer pitch, which included the turf as well as pathways and landscaping. The pitch was completed at the end of June 2014 and is already being well utilised by the community.

The Soccer Pitch Lighting project involved the installation of competition-grade lighting to the soccer pitch. The project was completed in September 2015.

“The Soccer Pitch and Lighting projects provide the infrastructure needed for people to play and train, with the lighting enabling evening match practice and competitions,” said Cr Phelan.

“Golden Plains Shire Council is delighted to support the growth of soccer in the Shire and will continue to work with the community to create more opportunities for residents,” he added.

Also speaking at the Launch was the president of the Golden Plains Soccer Club, Anthony Vanjek.

"I never imagined so much could be achieved in such a short time," Vanjek started his speech.

"We had a plan to introduce the game to the region in 2010. The interest was amazing and by January 2012, Golden Plains SC became an incorporated entity and joined FFV.

"Through hard work from members of the community, the Council, local schools and FFV, funding applications were successful and we now have this great facility for our community to enjoy," added Vanjek proudly.

Also in attendance at the Official Opening were FFV Board Director, Nicholas Tsiaras, local FFV Zone Development Officer Foddy Kyprian and FFV Geelong Regional Administrator Tonci Prusac.

PHOTO: Golden Plains SC president Anthony Vanjek (left) and Golden Plains Mayor Cr Des Phelan unveil a plaque at the official opening of the Bannockburn Recreation Precinct's Soccer Facility on Monday (Photo: Tonci Prusac)