Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies today officially opened the new $2.2 million western precinct pavilion for cricket and soccer at Albany's Centennial Park.
Ms Davies said this was a major step towards the completion of the $27 million re-development of Centennial Park.
"The Liberal National Government has made a significant investment in sporting facilities across the State, including in the redevelopment of Centennial Park which will be enjoyed by community groups and sporting clubs for many years," she said.
"I am sure that Albany cricket and soccer clubs are looking forward to training and playing at these new facilities, which should also encourage greater participation numbers."
The western precinct pavilion is part of the ongoing re-development of Centennial Park that will very soon give Albany and the Great Southern, one of the most up-to-date multi-purpose regional sporting complexes in the country.
The Liberal National Government has contributed $16.75 million to the Centennial Park redevelopment.
The Minister said soccer in the Great Southern region was following worldwide trends of growth, particularly among women and junior players.
The Great Southern region has just passed $1 million worth of vouchers for KidSport. More than 160 clubs have received at least one voucher from a child who lives in the region.
A total of 4,039 children are playing sport because of KidSport and 54 per cent have never been part of a club before.
In Albany, 2,330 children received KidSport assistance (worth $627,000) to join 67 different sporting clubs.
Fact File
Minister's office - 6552 5500