Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Souths United FC

Souths United have delivered a Queensland first after officially opening their multi-million dollar new synthetic playing fields at Wakerley Park on Saturday.

Brisbane City Councillor Steven Huang joined Souths President Tracey Confessore for the event with the pair cutting a ceremonial ribbon to officially open the three FIFA-approved synthetic surface fields.

The fields are part of a $2.2 million upgrade that was funded by Brisbane City Council and includes improvements to lighting at the ground in 2014.

Heavy rains on Friday immediately demonstrated the value and durability of the synthetic surfaces after Souths’ Men’s teams, which compete in Football Brisbane’s fifth-tier Capital Two competition, made a late switch to the new facilities after the club’s main field was affected by the deluge.

Souths Vice-President Beth Bolt said, “These fields are the first of their kind in Queensland and will give the club the opportunity of twelve months a year usage with no maintenance down-time over the off-season.”

“Wet weather game and training cancellations will be a thing of the past,” she added.

Bolt also explained that the facilities will provide the club with new revenue streams including social five-a-side football tournaments and partnerships with other community sports organisations.

“A number of high profile organisations have expressed interest in hiring the fields,” Bolt said, adding that further announcements regarding new partnerships will be made in coming weeks.