Amidst the challenges of the past 18 months Armstrong Creek quietly welcomed its first public sporting facility – the Armstrong Creek East Pavilion.
Located at Central Boulevard in Armstrong Creek the facility is home to the newly formed clubs of Armstrong Creek Sharks Football & Netball Club the Armstrong Creek Cricket Club and Armstrong United Football Club.
While serving as a much-needed home base for the three sporting clubs it’s also allowed residents to pursue their sporting passions closer to home and foster a culture of active living in the community.
As a lover of soccer for around 25 years Armstrong United Football Club Vice President and forward player Moses Machao is one of many locals able to enjoy the new facility.
It has made it easier for me to enjoy my sport closer to home. It has also helped increase my connection with others within my local community. - Moses
Armstrong United Football Club President Michael Parker said that prior to the opening of the facility their teams were training “all over the place” with players travelling as far out as Eastern Gardens in central Geelong and Leisuretime Sports Precinct in Norlane to train.
It’s given us a home base somewhere that all age groups can come together to play and train.
[The Armstrong Creek East Pavilion is an] amazing facility. With three clubs sharing the facility it had to be flexible and big enough to hold us all which it is currently. Our players love the modern facilities and we get quite a few comments from opposing teams when they play here. - Michael
Made possible with a major community infrastructure investment of $3.18 million from the City along with $500 000 in funding from the Victorian Government the Armstrong Creek facility boasts four changing rooms umpires’ rooms a first aid room a time-keeper’s room a community meeting space and a social room with kitchen.
When asked what his favourite feature was of the new building Moses said:
The social space – which unfortunately we haven’t had a chance to take full advantage of yet – would be my favourite element. Overall I also like how the pavilion blends well within the neighbourhood.
The recent addition of the Armstrong Creek East Pavilion is one of many community infrastructure projects in the works for the vibrant and highly sought-after suburb.
A record $209 million is allocated in Council’s Budget 2021-22 to deliver the region’s largest ever capital works program which includes $225 000 for the Armstrong Creek Town Centre Library & Learning Hub design $200 000 for playing fields and bowling greens at Bloinks Reserve and $500 000 for footpath works along Burvilles Road.
Council has committed $728 million over four years in investment for community facilities such as shared trails aquatic and sporting facilities community centres and public open space – which includes a number of Armstrong Creek projects.
With three clubs sharing the Armstrong Creek East Pavilion training during the week and playing on weekends COVID-19 restrictions permitting the facility’s popularity is unquestionable.
Factor in the many community members walking their dogs running and enjoying the two public sporting ovals and it’s a well-loved addition to facilities available in Armstrong Creek.
We have players aged from four years old all the way up to senior men’s and women’s teams as well fielding a men’s master’s team in the Summer competition last year. The culture at our club is fantastic and we welcome any community support or volunteering - Michael
And if soccer isn’t your forte Australian rules football netball and cricket are also played at the Armstrong Creek East Pavilion.
To get in touch with the Armstrong United Football Club email contact.armstrongunitedfc@gmail.com for the Armstrong Creek Sharks Football & Netball Club email admin@armstrongcreekfc.com.au and to contact the Armstrong Creek Cricket Club email contact@armstrongcreekcricketclub.com. All clubs can also be contacted on Facebook.
Find out more about what the Budget 2021-22 includes for your area.