Winnipeg, MB - Representatives from the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg celebrated the official Winnipeg Soccer Federation Indoor Soccer Multiplex grand opening at an event this evening.
“The new Winnipeg Soccer Federation North Complex is an excellent addition to the community and Manitoba’s new government is pleased to recognize the opportunities it will bring,” said Scott Fielding, Minister of Families and MLA for Kirkfield Park. “From developing physical literacy skills to the pursuit of sport excellence, world-class athletic facilities play an important role in encouraging our children and youth to join a team, have fun and stay active for life.”
The new 163,000 square-foot facility is located on the north side of the Garden City Community Centre complex at 770 Leila Avenue, and features enhancements that improve both the player and spectator experience.
“I am proud to see the new Winnipeg Soccer Federation North Complex available for Winnipeggers, and am pleased that the City of Winnipeg continues to invest in new recreational opportunities for our residents,” said Devi Sharma, City Councillor for Old Kildonan. “It is important that we continue to provide our residents with options for recreation, especially with world class facilities such as this and the recently opened Seven Oaks Arena. Not only do these facilities provide our residents with ways to remain active year round, but participation in organized sport teaches children and youth so many valuable life lessons. This facility helps to make that a bit more accessible for residents living on the north side of the City.”
The fully-accessible complex boasts a number of innovative features, including four indoor soccer pitches, a full viewing mezzanine around the pitch, 16 change rooms, tiered spectator seating, and a player warm-up area.
“The Winnipeg Soccer Federation is a proud funding contributor to the WSF Soccer North complex and neighboring Shaughnessy Park outdoor pitch. The WSF objectives are to promote and develop soccer in Winnipeg by providing the necessary infrastructure and leadership,” said Matthew Duffy, Chair of the Winnipeg Soccer Federation. “This project, through joint efforts with our Government partners, the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba, provides first-rate indoor and outdoor facilities for all ages and levels of our soccer community.
Nic Curry, MLA for Kildonan and Mike Pagtakhan, City Councillor for Point Douglas and Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services, and Parks also attended the event to celebrate the Multiplex grand opening.
The $22.881 million project, which includes the indoor Winnipeg Soccer Federation Indoor Soccer Multiplex facility as well as the Shaughnessy Park outdoor soccer pitch, received $8.755 million from the Province of Manitoba, $7.0 million from the City of Winnipeg, with the remainder being funded by the Winnipeg Soccer Federation under a loan guarantee from the City of Winnipeg. Construction began in November 2014.
For more information on location and field rentals, please visit winnipegsoccerfederation.ca.