By Charlene Macaulay
A Wyndham council-backed bid to be home to one of two new A-League soccer teams is one step closer to fruition.
Football Federation Australia has short-listed the Western Melbourne Group’s bid to set-up a new club in Tarneit as part of an expansion of the A-League. The bid is one of 10 to make the cut, with a final decision expected on October 31.
If successful, a multi-million dollar 15,000-seat stadium – dubbed “Wyndham Stadium” – will be built on a Wyndham-council owned parcel of land at 1160 Sayers Road.
Wyndham council has worked with the Western Melbourne Group on the bid, which also has the support of the Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Melton councils.
Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said it was fantastic that the strength of the bid had been recognised.
“We are delighted that Football Federation Australia has short-listed the Western Melbourne Group’s bid,” he said.
“We look forward to working with the Western Melbourne Group on the next stage.
“This proposal is about more than just football for our city – this is about community pride, economic uplift and the creation of a new destination for western Victorian – spearheaded by a new A-league football team and associated stadium precinct. This is something our region is ready for.”
In a statement on their Facebook page, the Western Melbourne Group said its vision was “a game changer for our sport, and a commitment to develop the football stars of tomorrow”.
