The Northern Territory Government has announced the start of construction on a proposed $14.5 million multi-sport complex in Alice Springs.
The Gillen Oval multi-sport precinct was a CLP government election promise in 2024, with plans for multi-use sports pitches, improved changing and toilet facilities, a canteen, shade structures and landscaping.
The plan also includes improved land access, parking and a link to Centralian Middle School.
NT Logistics and Infrastructure Minister Joshua Burgoyne said the oval would likely be used for multiple purposes.
“(I expect) in the future we will see football naturally migrating to this region because they will be able to play more games at a time,” Mr Burgoyne said.
The announcement was welcomed by Football NT vice-president Nicole Jervis, who has been pushing for the project for two years.
“Football has survived the Ross Park space… we are the only sport that is growing in the junior landscape,” she said.
“But unfortunately due to the size of the space we are not able to grow as organically as our clubs and volunteers should, which is why we petitioned for this space as it was unused space around the city.
“Football is the most multicultural sport – it’s the global sport, so with the demographic change coming to town and migration, football is this sport that’s welcoming and known to people, so we want to be able to adapt to the change in Alice Springs.”
Ms Jervis said the sports complex could house “an academy team… for the Matildas and emerging Socceroos”.
Future Football’s Jesper Olsen, a former professional player who won the FA Cup with Manchester United, shares this optimism.
“The new complex is great news for Australian football – there is some incredible talent out there and this will help discover it,” the former Denmark international said.
He worked with a company that discovered talents such as England and Manchester star Wayne Rooney and Peter Schmeichel, considered the best goalkeeper in football history.
Mr Olsen sees the complex as a potential gateway for indigenous talent to join Europe’s top football clubs, but this does not happen automatically.
The former Melbourne Heart assistant coach, who now works at Melbourne City, says more games and good facilities are key.
“The whole world is a talent pool for players like Manchester United, but that requires you to be organized and to be seen,” he said.
“Playing more matches on proper pitches and with good facilities will, with the help of social media, bring global attention to indigenous players.”
Work on the district will begin in 2026 and should be completed in 2027.
