The Mount Gambier Italo Australian Club/International Soccer Club celebrated the official opening of its new sporting complex on Saturday.
The local club acknowledged the South Australian Government’s contribution which funded new pitch lighting, portable goals, fencing and associated infrastructure.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard and club major sponsor Vince Versace were among those on hand for the opening celebrations.
International Soccer Club player Isabella Morello spoke about the welcome and long overdue addition of the female changerooms for her team.
“Even though we felt like a team, we often talked about how we wanted to feel like we were fully part of the whole club,” she said.
“One of the things that made this difficult is that we did not have our own changerooms or anywhere to get ready for our games.
“We got changed in our cars, on the pitch or behind two paper screens inside the clubrooms and became desperate for more.
“We are so excited now to have a space to change, to strategise before a game, to welcome the opposition and to grow women’s soccer.
“It is an amazing feeling to feel like we are heard and valued and a part of the club.”
