Soccer scores in Cardinia

A SOCCER club in the Pakenham area took a step forward, following a public meeting on Thursday, 8 March.
Held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, the meeting attracted more than 30 people.
Cardinia Shire community recreation officer, Michael Haley, outlined the council’s recognition of the need to include soccer facilities in the forward planning for future sport and recreation provision in the shire.
A group of local parents and soccer fans have agreed to meet in the next few weeks to discuss ways in which a junior soccer club could be established in the short term.
This would utilise the interior of the Toomuc Reserve athletics track that has been allocated by the council for shared use as a soccer development area.
In the knowledge that plans for a major soccer facility are ‘on the drawing board’ within the next few years, an interim committee has been formed to attract support for the game and to convince council of its merits in the overall sport and recreation ‘mix’ for the future.
A committee spokesperson said as the ‘world game’ expanded, following the success of the Socceroos, it was time to make a concerted effort to provide opportunities for both boys and girls.
This would improve health and fitness, reduce obesity and increase skill and confidence.
An eightweek ‘Telstra Football Anytime’ skill development program for boys and girls aged five to 12 will be held at Toomuc Reserve as part of a national development plan.
This will start on Monday, 20 March. For inquiries and bookings phone 9474 1844.