122 | COMMUNITY South Island United T T Karen Phelps New club a milestone for SI football Competing in the OFC Pro League, the club has the chance to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup, major tournaments that offer significant exposure South Island United has officially launched, marking a major milestone for football in the South Island. The club, which played its first match on 17 January this year, is already setting ambitious plans for growth and community impact. “This is the first professional football club in the South Island. Football is massive in New Zealand, now the country’s most played sport, and we see a unique opportunity to establish a professional presence here,” says Ryan Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of South Island United. “Our aim is threefold: to promote pathways for local talent, unite South Island communities and clubs, and position our region as a sports tourism destination,” Ryan says. Based in Yaldhurst, he says many people do not realise the scale of the operation or the significance of its vision. South Island United is part of the United Sports Group, which also includes Christchurch United Football Club and Christchurch United Gymnastics. With rugby league franchises emerging in the South Island, conversations are also underway to establish a high-performance rugby centre on site. Ultimately, the vision is to create multiple sports clubs under one roof, mirroring the multi-code European model seen in clubs such as Barcelona and Benfica, says Ryan. The United Sports Centre has already made significant strides. It features two full-size artificial turfs and, over the last five years, two mini astro turf football fields have been added. The recently completed new gymnasium is now home to Christchurch United Gymnastics. Education and development are key pillars of the project. South Island United has partnered with local secondary school Unlimited Discovery to offer students structured football pathways, covering coaching, sports business, video analysis and more. “They are devoting a lot of time to their football, so we make sure they have a plan B,” says Ryan. Alongside sporting initiatives, the club is creating business opportunities. Plumbing Done Right. Every Job, Every Time. 020 4093 2784 Toptierplumbing@outlook.co.nz • New builds and projects • Commercial plumbing • Renovations and upgrades • Maintenance and emergencies From excavation to completion, various types of foundation and floor slab options are available, we’ll help you with the best solution for your build. In the ever changing building industry, Solid Bearing gets the job done right, from the start. 7 Avenger Crescent, Wigram 03 349 9149 office@solidbearing.co.nz Concrete Construction Specialists LTD Proudly supporting South Island United Luke Geldhill 027 823 9155 luke@olympusconstruction.co.nz Olympus Builders are a light commercial and residential construction company working on the Yaldhurst Sporting Complex. We are proud to be associated with Slava on current and future building projects. “We are positioned as a club that can connect South Island communities, clubs and businesses to prosper from coming together and working together through the ritual football provides,” explains Ryan. “We are running quarterly business hubs for our partners and sponsors, and these events allow businesses to present to each other, network and create new collaborations through the club.” Future plans for the site are extensive. The Emerald Lounge, a high-end sports bar, café and restaurant, is midway through construction and is expected to open later this year. A purpose-built 5000-capacity stadium is in the planning phase, designed to prioritise atmosphere and entertainment rather than sheer size. There will also be a health and longevity centre and mini-golf course, and a hotel will also be built to support visitors and players, making the site a true sports and entertainment destination. “Sports tourism is a modern movement taking the world by storm and transforming local communities,” says Ryan. “Our football club is uniquely positioned to provide sports tourists a great experience to follow a team and visit the amazing vistas of the South Island.“ Ryan says South Island United is already making its mark on the international stage. Competing in the OFC Pro League, the club has the chance to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup, both major tournaments that offer significant exposure.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=