Balcatta Etna Football Club scores a winner with major upgrades at Grindleford Reserve

Balcatta Etna Football Club now has the facilities to match its status as one of Perth’s premier soccer clubs after a $2.5 million investment by the City of Stirling and the State Government.

Balcatta Etna FC is one of just four soccer clubs in Western Australia to have a men’s and women’s side in the state’s top competition, the National Premier Leagues WA.

The club is based at Grindleford Reserve in Balcatta, which has just received major upgrades made possible by $1.2 million from the City of Stirling and $1.3 million from the State Government.

The upgrades, which include renovated clubrooms and new floodlighting, were managed and delivered by the City.

They were officially unveiled on Saturday as Balcatta Etna FC faced rivals Perth Soccer Club.

Balcatta Etna FC women’s team beat top-of-the-ladder Perth SC to continue their winning streak, while the men scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser to secure a valuable point.

The men’s game was a twilight fixture – the first played under the new 200 lux floodlights at Grindleford Reserve.

“Balcatta Etna FC is part of our soccer heritage in the City of Stirling and has gone from strength to strength since it was founded almost 50 years ago,” City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said.

“The club provides a pathway for children from as young as three all the way up to the WA National Premier Leagues men’s and women’s competitions.

“It’s fantastic to see a successful community club get the first-rate facilities it deserves, from the new lighting to the renovated clubrooms.”

Mayor Irwin said the City was grateful to Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti and Balcatta MLA David Michael for their investment in local community sport.

“When local governments and the State Government collaborate on a project like this, that’s often when you get the best outcomes for the community,” he said.

Balcatta Etna FC President Peter Carlino said the upgrades had taken their home ground to the next level for players and spectators.

“It’s really about how it all comes together, particularly being able to play night games under lights,” Mr Carlino said.

“We now have the ability and the facilities to mix it with all the top teams.”