The Gunnedah and District Soccer Association (GDSA) officially opened its new clubhouse last Sunday morning, after the project had been about five years in the making.
There were nibblies, drinks and balloons to mark the occasion while about 40 people converged at the premises for the opening.
Changerooms and a disabled toilet were new features, while the canteen and other amenities were upgraded.
In his speech to the gathering, GDSA president Lachlan May said the past five years had been “a monumental journey”.
Mr May said the NSW government had funded two-thirds of the building, while more than 30 sponsors were also involved.
Mr May acknowledged the support from the sponsors, soccer club committees, and volunteers.
The GDSA president said the club received a large sum of money back in 2020 thanks to State Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, approving a grant.
Unfortunately for the GDSA, progress was subsequently delayed due to covid, droughts, floods and issues with resources.
Mr May said at the start of 2024 – by which time the NSW government had changed from Liberal to Labor – a new GDSA committee was faced with the issue of letting the clubhouse project “lapse” or “make it work”.
After the committee chose to “make it work”, the old building was demolished last November before it took about six months to complete the new building amid a few more hurdles.
The first use of the building will be this weekend, as Gunnedah hosts junior club fixtures on Saturday and a junior gala day on Sunday (weather permitting).
Supporters’ clothing and soccer balls in the canteen at the new soccer clubhouse in Gunnedah.
