Patience, passion and nearly two decades of hard work have come to fruition with the official opening of Ellerslie’s new club facilities at Michaels Ave.
Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson cut the ribbon to perform the traditional opening of the $7 million facilities that will be used by Ellerslie AFC, Ellerslie Cricket Club and the local community.
Main photo: Desley Simpson declares the Michaels Avenue Community Centre open.
Members, supporters and invited guests attended the official opening of the Michaels Avenue Community Centre on Saturday September 2, 2023.
Former club president Mark Weipers, who led the building project for Ellerslie, said many organisations and individuals had contributed to the project, including Auckland City, the Orakei Local Board, sponsors and individuals who had been generous with their time and money.
Current president Fred de Jong said there was nothing better than seeing young footballers chasing a ball on a Saturday morning and he was proud they had excellent facilities to use afterwards.
Ellerslie’s clubrooms and player facilities were used during the FIFA Women’s World Cup by the Argentine team, and the club had been one of a number of clubs throughout the country to benefit from a $19 million programme to upgrade facilities ahead of the tournament.
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