New Gresford Sporting Complex opening

A huge crowd turned out for the official opening of the new Gresford Sporting Complex clubhouse facility on April 1.

The red and yellow club colours of the Scorpions (Gresford Vacy Football Club) and blue and gold of the Colts (Gresford Vacy Junior Cricket Club) swamped the complex as dignitaries, user groups, supporters and visiting teams turned out for the event.

The million-dollar clubhouse includes four changerooms, a storage shed, canteen and large covered area perfect for watching all the on-field action.

“It was so wonderful to see the community spirit from everyone who attended,” GVFC president Jim Doyle said.

“Our whole community should be very proud of this facility.”

During the official proceedings, Scorpions groundsman Dave Crouch received special recognition with the presentation of the Phyllis Avery Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to Football. The Hunter Valley Football award recognises an individual who shows commitment to the values of volunteering and makes an outstanding voluntary contribution to football within the Hunter Valley zone.

David and his wife Jenny were founding members of Gresford Vacy Football Club in 1981 and worked closely with Phyllis Avery to establish the club and choose the club colours. David has seen all his children and grandchildren play in the Scorps colours and together they have played a role in growing the club and its facilities.

For the past 10 years, David has been the groundskeeper and he has nurtured the fields to be some of the best in the Hunter. He also volunteers his time setting up the fields for game day, cooking the barbecue and ensuring everything runs smoothly on and off the field.

The April 1 opening coincided with the Scorpions season-opening gala day. All teams are now in action for the 2023 season across the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.