Club knocked by council 'no'

Brent Dodunski of Stratford Football Club is "very disappointed" with the council's decision to not develop new grounds for football in the district.

Vicki Jagersma, property asset manager for Stratford District Council, says the football club approached the council in 2011 about the need for new grounds and facilities as the sport was growing.

Since then, reports by Sport Taranaki and Longdill and Associates have assessed the need for new sports grounds in the area.

"Investigations and talks with owners of existing open space facilities within Stratford were undertaken to consider if sportsgrounds were being used to their full potential," says Vicki. She adds that the council also undertook investigations of open land within Stratford to see if there were advantages in facility partnerships.

"We found that if the club increases the use of existing facilities at Stratford High School then there wouldn't be a need to purchase new space" Vicki says.

Brent is disappointed the council has decided to stick with status quo and not upgrade the facilities for football.

"However it will not slow down our goals as a club," he says.

Stratford Football Club is working towards growing the club, particularly at the junior level. "We want the club to have more of a family atmosphere so that players of all ages feel welcome."

"While the council decision has knocked us back a bit, this won't be the end of it," says Brent.

The decision report was received by councillors at the council's Monitoring Committee meeting on August 26.