A SYNTHETIC pitch for soccer training at the Green Gully Soccer Club would allow more than 7000 local school children to become involved in the game.

The club asked Brimbank City Council to revisit a proposal for a synthetic turf training ground - originally quoted at between $600,000 and $800,000 in April 2007 - to allow children train, provide access for about 7900 school students and run a program for children with hearing disabilities.

Club spokesman Ray Mamo made a presentation to the council’s Brimbank advisory committee meeting on Wednesday night as part of the council’s draft budget submissions.

“The club wishes to inform council synthetic grass is much needed at these grounds due to the drought and the influx of children wanting to play soccer,” Mr Mamo said.

He said after recent articles in the local newspaper, Evergreen Turf had approached the club with a promotional offer of $300,000, and a turf pitch would not only benefit the 412 children registered with the soccer club, but local schools including St Pauls, St Albans and St Albans Heights Primary schools who would be able to use the ground during school hours for up to 40 hours a week.

“We’ve had a number of schools request to use the grounds but we’ve been unable to take them,” Mr Mamo said. “The question is where are the kids going to exercise?”

He said the club had about 120 children they were unable to accommodate this soccer season due to drought conditions restricting available playing space. Mr Mamo said the Football Federation of Victoria was supported the proposal.

Brimbank Council will consider submissions and adopt the final budget the 24 June ordinary council meeting.