Earlier this month, Wollongong United FC spent more than $70k to upgrade the driveway and car park into Macedonia Park (Hooka Creek Road, Berkeley) which for many including the Club President’s (Peter Vrtkovski) biggest bug bear. In fact, Peter is quoted as saying “it was painful driving into the ground daily, trying to avoid the holes, even though I knew exactly where each one was”.

According to Peter, Wollongong United Football Club have spent approximately $750k over the past decade in upgrading their facility at Macedonia Park which has become one of the regions premier football facilities.

The club secured a grant to assist with the driveway upgrade and wishes to acknowledge the support of their sponsors, supporters and Federal MP Stephen Jones who all contributed in some way to the upgrade.

Over 3500 square metres of bitumen has been laid with the driveway now resembling a road. The work covers the drive from the front gates through to the ticket box and across and between the two grounds ensuring that everyone using the facility need not worry about avoiding pot holes. It is also likely to make getting in and out of the facility not only smoother but quicker.

Vrtkovski and his club are not stopping here, “our club prides itself in our facility and we are always looking at ways to improve the place”. The club is also in the process of finishing off a gymnasium for its players which will allow for the rehabilitation of players and/or alternative training. Wollongong United will be the first club to have this at their ground. It will have a range of equipment including treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptic walkers, rowing machines, weights and boxing bags. The home team change room is also going to get a refit.

Longer term, the club is looking to improve their drainage across both fields, upgrade the perimeter fencing, build more grounds at the southern end of the facility with the hope of adding an indoor centre and an extension of the grandstand.

FSC commend the efforts from all concerned at Wollongong United with respect to their regular improvement.

As the new season looms, both grounds (main and training) have recovered well and are now looking in tip top shape as the club looks to put last season’s disappointment behind them and add to their long list of achievements.