Ground One’s private-public partnership lauded
ALEXANDRA - The City of Joburg has commended the recent grant of R8.5 million to revamp Alex's Ground One as a good example of a private and public partnership.
This after a grant from Totalsports and the allocation of land from the Joburg Property Company to develop the barren and neglected dust bowl which passes for soccer fields in Alex, as well as the NPO EduFootball’s plan to offer social programmes.
The ground will be developed into a modern sports complex to nurture future male and female sports stars of all ages.
Work is scheduled to start in May with the installation of an artificial pitch and solar flood lighting, an upgrade of the stands, better security and the construction of a youth development centre as a safe hub for a range of social programmes for youth and children.
The complex is one of the 12 planned by the City under its Vision 2022. Safa estimates that 2 500 youngsters, drawn from local schools, clubs and non-governmental organisations, will use the facility weekly.
In addition, Totalsports will invest a further R5.4 million for a centre administrator, a Safa regional technical officer, nine local technical officers, a talent identification programme, U13 and U15 talent scouting events, three grassroots festivals, training of 360 D, 180 C and 30 B licenced coaches as well as 180 referees.
There will also be a strong focus on girls’ football through the development of U13 and U15 girls’ leagues.
Details: Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association 082 972 0235.
Let Alex News know what you think about this development by leaving a comment below.
