Words: Steve Pitman, Brisbane Strikers
Image: Michael Flynn, Football Queensland

A historic partnership between Brisbane Strikers and A-League club Brisbane Roar is set to continue Perry Park’s rejuvenation into a top class training and playing venue, Strikers have confirmed.

While the final details are yet to be finalized, the two clubs have agreed in principle the best way forward.

Perry Park is oft-considered Queensland’s ‘spiritual home of football’ and has been the home ground of Strikers since 2003, while previously serving as a National Soccer League venue for both Brisbane City and Brisbane Lions in the late 1970’s and 1980’s.

The proposed upgrades to the ground will include bringing ‘Field 2’ up to a suitable training standard while ensuring the main field remains in top condition for NPL Queensland matches which sees Strikers and Roar’s Youth side compete week-to-week.

Further enhancements will be made to Perry Park’s physiotherapy treatment facilities, video analysis and team presentation rooms, as well as a rejuvenation of the ground’s spectator facilities including the Bill Waddell Stand.

Both Strikers and Roar’s administration needs will be met by an upgrade to the stadium’s offices.

While the Strikers have relocated their junior coaching and administration to Meakin Park in Logan, their senior football and general club administration will remain based at Perry Park.

In recent years Strikers’ partnership with the YMCA has changed the landscape at Perry Park, with the ground’s northern end now boasting an indoor court for all-weather training and a first-class gym for strength and rehabilitation work.

Strikers have previously invested in international-standard dressing rooms under and a modernized dressing rooms at the southern end – resulting in six dressing rooms in total.

Strikers Chairman Bruce Atterton-Evans explained that the agreement with Roar will bring to fruition plans that were made under former Strikers Chairman Dr Clem Jones.

“The Strikers see both partnerships – with the Roar and the YMCA – as helping to realize Dr Jones’ vision for Perry Park as a ‘centre of excellence’ for football and we believe that Perry Park will become an area that football can be proud of”, Atterton-Evans said.

“It already is the home base for both the Strikers and the Brisbane Roar Youth team in the NPL, but we now are formalizing and strengthening that partnership.”

“The objective is not only to have a facility that underpins the future of both clubs, but also to provide a boutique training and playing facility that can be used by other football bodies with the joint agreement of the Strikers and the Roar.”

“We want to see this ground utilized more fully for the benefit of football,” he concluded.