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"World Class" Clubrooms Open At Last
by Jeremy Ruane
Some eighteen years after planning began, the uniquely designed clubrooms which have taken shape at Keith Hay Park over the last couple of years were finally opened to the public on March 13, with the Mayor of Auckland, Phil Goff, cutting the ceremonial ribbon to mark the occasion.
Auckland United FC, which came about a year ago as the result of a joint venture between Three Kings United, Onehunga Sports and the Phoenix Football Academy, will be the prime beneficiaries of the new facilities, which will be "a hub for the entire community, not just the football club", declares AUFC President Andrew Lawson.
Club Chairman, Murray Holdaway, whose vision and drive have been paramount in the development of the new building, was quick to praise all those who've played a part along the journey, among them designers Barry Copeland and Associates and builders C3 Construction.
"It takes a whole community to raise a building. We had a vision where we wanted to bring the football and the park inside the clubrooms, yet see people sitting, watching and enjoying the football too.
"It would have been easy to build a two-tier facility, but that would have blocked residents' views of the skyline. So Barry came up with a one-level design which doesn't intrude on that vista, yet at the same time takes into account that Keith Hay Park was once a swamp, and is prone to flooding. That's why the floor is raised 1.3 metres above ground level".
Holdaway also acknowledged the immense assistance of community funding sources, in particular Foundation North, the Lottery Grants Board, NZ Community Trust, Awero Nui, the Milestone Foundation, the Four Winds Foundation, and Auckland Council, from whom three separate grants over five years helped make the building a reality.
"The assistance of both Councillor Christine Fletcher and Auckland Council's Martin Devoy has been invaluable throughout this entire process. One must also acknowledge the Three Kings United club members, each of whom paid a $20 annual building levy and also brought raffle tickets galore - the initial funds of $400,000 came from them around a decade ago".
Mt Roskill MP and former Puketepapa local board member Michael Wood also praised Auckland United's club members. "Keith Hay Park is one of the beating hearts of this community.
"This is one of the largest clubs in not just New Zealand, but Australasia, with over 1800 members. 1400 of those members are aged eighteen and under, making this a real centre for young people in our community.
"This was a project which wasn't always smooth sailing, and there have been many, many challenges along the way. But it's been a true labour of love over many years", said Wood, "and is a testament to the heart, dedication and absolute commitment of everyone who forms this club".
Describing the clubrooms as "truly impressive", Mayor Goff, who was Mt. Roskill's local MP for all but three years between 1981 and 2016, declared it "a fantastic day for Mt. Roskill and for Auckland United Football Club.
"These clubrooms are world class - exactly what we want our city to be. This is a great asset for our community, and for young people to enjoy their sport, and stay fit and healthy".
Mayor Goff has personal ties with the club, having grown up in Three Kings. "My niece, former Football Fern Simone Ferrara, played here for Three Kings United at the turn of the century, and coming along to Keith Hay Park to watch her play on Sundays was something we did as a family".
That family factor has been a big part of the football club over many years, and remains so. One of its life members has been part of the fabric of the club for over fifty years, and can still recall the days when Mt. Roskill's clubrooms were a small building near the pathway running along the eastern side of Keith Hay Park.
"I joined the club in 1965", says Colin Sargent, "the year after Mt. Roskill won the Chatham Cup. The club was formed in 1952. Those first clubrooms stood until Anzac Day 1981, when they went up in flames - that was a dark day for the club, that one.
"It took four years for us to get the funds together to build the clubrooms we're now vacating, and the new facility is definitely a step up from those - much better!", he declared with a twinkle in his eye.
They most definitely are!
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