Football, one of the fastest growing sports in Australia following the success of the Socceroos and Matildas, has received a major boost in The Hills.
A new partnership between The Hills Shire Council, Hills Football Inc and Hills United FC will see Caddies Creek Reserve in Beaumont Hills developed into an elite-level facility.
The council said it is signing a MOU with Hills Football and Hills United after calling for expressions of interest for a long-term premier football partner for the site as part of Stage 2 works.
This will add four full-sized football fields, multiple mini and small-sided fields. This aligns perfectly with Hills Football’s vison of developing a Centre of Excellence at Caddies Creek.
The mayor said that “Caddies Creek Reserve will become the home of football in The Hills,” while Hills Football GM Charlotte Ercil added that the new venue will “only increase our offerings to our clubs, players, volunteers, referees, coaches, and spectators.”
“We thank The Hills Shire Council for their support, and we’re really excited to see this project fulfilled. This venue is set to leave a lasting impact on our community for generations to come,” Ercil said.
“We have long dreamed of being able to represent the Hills Football community within the Hills LGA and soon this dream will be realised,” said Hills United president Tristan Rimmer. “I can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have for footballers in the Hills community.”
Mayor Byrne said she is very excited about the project and the opportunities it provides for residents.
“Premier sporting facilities are established to provide our residents with access to elite level pathways in the sport they love,” she said. “We currently have premier facilities for basketball, tennis, AFL, cricket, athletics, baseball, BMX, hockey, netball and rugby league.
“Once Stage 2 is complete, Caddies Creek Reserve will feature four additional full-sized football fields, mini small-sided football fields, amenities building, car park and access to the site from Windsor Road and Sanctuary Drive.”
Hills Football oversees around 10 percent growth each year with female participation rising by a massive 24 per cent from 2023 to 2024.
Ercil said The Hills Home of Football will provide them access to premier football facilities and a place to call ‘home.’ However, she admitted, they need more grounds to cope with the rising demand and increase in population.
Hills Football is a big supporter of the Hills Shire Council’s “Fight for a Fairer Hills Future,’ which wants the NSW Government to provide urgent funding for critical infrastructure for the booming population.
“We’re still down 40 fields in terms of demand,” Ercil said. “We’re looking forward to seeing more venues come online in areas such as Box Hill, North Kellyville and Gables.”
The football facility will join the Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence at Kellyville, and the planned Eastwood Rugby centre at Castle Hill as major sporting hubs in The Hills.
