Top-class fields ready for FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 teams

Christchurch City Council and FIFA officially opened the upgraded training fields to be used by the visiting teams to Christchurch for their training leading up to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015.

Four pitches located at Avonhead, Garrick, Ferrymead and Linfield parks have all been redeveloped or upgraded to the highest FIFA International standard and following the tournament, will be a great addition to the facilities used by local teams and clubs.

Speaking from Avonhead Park today, Councillor Yani Johanson official Council representative for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, says, “The excitement is building now and it's great to see our local schools adopting teams to support alongside our own All Whites. All the students here today from Merrin School are going to see the games and will no doubt be in full voice when the games kick-off at Christchurch Stadium during the tournament.

"The diversity of teams and visitors coming to Christchurch is going to create a festival atmosphere and gives us an opportunity to welcome the world to Christchurch.

“The work and effort the Council and our partners have put in to prepare and provide upgraded facilities and fields has been amazing. These playing fields will be a lasting legacy of this great tournament,” Councillor Johanson says.

Dave Beeche, CEO LOC FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, says the quality of the pitches is something Christchurch can be proud of.

“The upgraded pitches at the four grounds look fantastic and would be worthy of any FIFA World Cup tournament. The FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 teams will give us the chance to see and experience some of the most talented young footballers on the planet, and these pitches will be one of the lasting legacies from the event for future generations of players.

“These pitches will help nurture the future stars of New Zealand football who are looking to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid. The collaborative work and contributions by FIFA, Christchurch City Council and other stakeholders, have made this happen and will go a long way to ensuring the success of the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015,” Mr Beeche says.

Also speaking at Avonhead Park, Craig Rhodes, Chairman of Mainland Football says, “We are really excited about the tournament and are honoured to be hosting the likes of Brazil and Germany here in Christchurch on these training grounds. This event is going to be memorable and football in our region will be the big winner.”

Also in attendance today was former All White and Wellington Phoenix player Ben Sigmund. "Having grown up playing football in Christchurch I know just how valuable it is to have pitches of this quality. These pitches will progress the talent in the region and give players the chance to play on surfaces equal to pitches the best players in the world get to play on.

"We're so lucky to get the chance to watch the next batch of world football superstars here in Christchurch at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015, and I for one can't wait."

Related information:

• The FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand takes place 30 May–20 June 2015.

• All-weather sand carpet sports pitches offer a safer and more consistent surface with first class drainage and are ideal for both training and playing, all year round.

• A former All Whites and representative eleven take on a Cashmere High School eleven this Sunday 17 May at 1pm at the ASB Stadium. Entry is free and Ben Sigmund and 'Wooliam' will be available for interviews and photos

For further information about the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, please visitwww.christchurch2015.co.nz

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