GSD welcomes GFA plans for new stadium

The GSD has welcomed news that the Gibraltar FA has submitted plans for a new national stadium to the Development and Planning Commission.

“It is extremely gratifying to see plans that adopt the GSD policy of locating it at Victoria Stadium and not that preferred and promoted by the GSLP/Liberal Government who intended to locate it at Europa Point,” the GSD said.

“This project is very much needed for the development of football in Gibraltar following our admission to memberships in UEFA and FIFA.”

“It is the best viable solution providing a home venue that avoids the embarrassing, costly and inconvenient alternative of travelling to Faro in Portugal to play ‘home’ matches in UEFA official competitions.”

Opposition MP Edwin Reyes said he was delighted to see that plans for the new stadium will meet UEFA’s Category 4 regulations.

“The GSD and I have always had the dream of developing Gibraltar’s traditional home for football, The Victoria Stadium, into fully approved facilities which would allow the hosting of all our home matches under the auspices of both UEFA and lately of FIFA,” he said.

“I thank all those who listened and acted upon the GSD’s vision, albeit now extended, as was proposed during the 2015 General Elections.”

“The GSD further welcomes that the new stadium is a ‘model stadium on accessibility’, with wheelchair and easy access seats, and a sensory room for people with autism.”

“The additional good news is that football can be played right through the construction period with minimum disruption and the GFA must be further congratulated on this.”

The GSD believes that alongside the new upgraded facility there is still a great need for extensive training facilities in Gibraltar to cater for all participants in football.

These facilities should ensure that the introduction and development of Gibraltar’s youngsters into the world of sports, very often arising from our schools’ curriculum and sporting clubs’ commitments, are equally catered for.

“As Gibraltar rejoices with the GFA in that it has secured external funding which will allows us to expand upon facilities without it being an added burden to the tax payer, sports lovers in Gibraltar are now urged to turn up and support international competitions being played on the Rock,” Mr Reyes said.

“The GFA has done its part in securing funds, now Gibraltar should show that we are worthy recipients.”