Petition to renovate Tikipunga Football Fields gaining support

Hundreds are supporting a petition to get funding to renovate and improve Tikipunga Sports Ground. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A petition has been made to ask for funding to improve one of Northland's major football parks.

Tikipunga Football Fields have been deemed by some as in poor condition and funding is wanted to improve the grounds and facilities.

Steve Close, who began the petition, said the time had come for the people who use the grounds week in week out to say something.

"Year after year we have trainings and weekend games abandoned with poor conditions," he said.

"Under New Zealand Football regulations, we may be kicked out of top competition due to the poor conditions."

He said the petition had gained a lot of traction so far with more than 500 signatures.

The petition stresses how important Tikipunga is to the growth of Northland football.

"This organisation [Northern Football Federation] trains children from age 9 through to age 16, boys and girls and adults thereafter. This is high-level training for skilled players only, possibly future All Whites and Football Ferns could come from these boys and girls," the petition states.

"Once the players reach under-13 level there are home and away games with Auckland clubs. Both teams use the changing rooms and it is embarrassing for us to have the opposition team use these rooms. Lack of hot water in showers is also an issue.

We have many passionate players, coaches and supporters who use these grounds."

NFF's David Alabaster said the renovations at Tikipunga Football Fields were a must.

"Currently it's the only option. It's the only ground in Whangarei that's big enough for everything. Tournaments, juniors, everything like that," he said.

"That's not to say there won't be another ground in the future, but it's the only place right now.

"In terms of the grounds, they become unplayable in the winter. We need sand-based pitches to play on. Auckland always have them and when they have come up, our grounds they haven't been up to scratch."

Alabaster said the size of the facilities was also a big issue.

"There aren't enough changing rooms. At a senior men's game we are required by New Zealand Football to have four full-sized changing rooms," he said.

"Currently we have none that are really big enough. Visiting teams should be able to go in and lock their stuff but they can't so they have to use the same lockers as our teams."

Close said the investment of money from council would be worthwhile and a good look for Northland football.

"We are asking for the council to invest money now to bring these grounds and facilities up to standard. We will then have grounds and facilities we can be proud of," he said.

"It seems a shame to have such a big area of land often not being utilised for its intended purpose due to the poor condition of the grounds."

The petition will be handed to Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai at Tikipunga Football Fields on December 19.