Published on Wednesday, 3 July 2019 at 8:53:27 AM
Representatives from the City of Vincent, Floreat Athena Football Club and Football West are working together on future tenure arrangements and facility improvements at Litis Stadium in Britannia Reserve for the benefit of the local community.
“The establishment of a new working group is a positive step for the City of Vincent and Floreat Athena Football Club. I’m encouraged by the spirit of collaboration that I’ve witnessed from all parties and I’m confident that, by working together, we can ensure the club continues to call Litis Stadium home, whilst bringing greater access and benefit to our community,” said Mayor Emma Cole.
In November 2017, Floreat Athena Football Club’s request for a further 10 year exclusive lease over Litis Stadium was denied by Vincent Council, pending plans that outlined the club’s long term sustainability and ability to manage the asset. The club was granted a two year lease to provide time to complete the requested documentation.
At a recent meeting between City and club representatives a range of alternative tenure arrangements for Litis Stadium were discussed that meet Football West competition requirements, better align with club financial and volunteer capacity, and deliver improved community access.
“Floreat Athena has a long and rich history at Britannia Reserve and in Litis Stadium,” said club Chair Paul Kotsoglo.
“We wish to continue to occupy its spiritual hope long in to the future. To do this the club wants work with the City and embrace the community in which it is located. Our strength comes from our members. It is obvious and logical for our club to develop strong grassroots teams and support from the local community.”
Alex Novatsis, Head of Member Services for Football West was also positive about the working group.
“We are happy to work with the club and the City to promote community soccer in Vincent, ranging from juniors to seniors, men’s and women’s teams. Soccer is a great opportunity for people to come together and get involved in their local community.”
The club has demonstrated a growing membership in junior players and female players over the past 12 months.
“We will work with Floreat Athena Football Club in their efforts to secure a $3 million Federal Government contribution through the Australian Government Community Development Grants Program. We’re keen to see facility improvements that would better integrate Litis Stadium with Britannia Reserve, and include change rooms for both men and women,” said Mayor Cole.
“As a first step in providing better community access, Floreat Athena Football Club has agreed to the removal of barbed wire fencing where Litis Stadium’s lease area meets Britannia Reserve. This has created a great new link from the car park to the new and highly popular mountain bike trail and pump track.”
“Vincent is a growing, inner City community so we need to make the most of all of our parks, reserves and open spaces to the benefit of as many of our residents, sporting clubs and users as possible,” she said.
“A key outcome of the City’s Public Open Space Strategy is to revise lease arrangements in order to improve community accessibility to parks and reserves. Adjusting the tenure arrangements at Litis Stadium will open up the space to other users and allow more of our community to benefit from this historic sporting venue.”
For more information, contact us on 9273 6000 or mail@vincent.wa.gov.au
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