Ballarat’s new $ 1.3 million synthetic soccer pitch is hosting regular AFL training sessions for two local teams to save wear and tear on their home grounds ahead of home matches.

The Carisbrook and Lake Wendouree Football Clubs both train at the Morshead Park facility on Monday nights.  The other six days of the week the state of the art synthetic surface is used by soccer players for competitive matches, training sessions and skills development clinics.

Councillor Ben Taylor, Growth and Development Portfolio Councillor said the facility was typically used around 25 hours a week by between 450 and 500 players.

“This is a great use of a community facility.  It’s a real multi-use sporting hub which is what Council planned for.  It’s great that we can accommodate training for these two AFL clubs, as well as regular use by the soccer fraternity,” Cr Taylor said.

“Council is pleased that the ground is hosting training sessions for the Carisbrook and Lake Wendouree Football Clubs.  Both groups want to save their home grounds from the wear and tear of training sessions so they are in peak condition for match play.

“A normal grass surface can withstand around 250 hours of play before problems with the surface can develop.  A synthetic surface like the one at Morshead Park can handle 1500 hours before any signs of wear are evident.  It’s the way of the future for many sports”, Cr Taylor said.