Ashburton WSC junior players are set to benefit from the move to a new ground in Ashwood.

THE State Government will go ahead with Ashwood's $350,000 Women's Premier League soccer ground after months of speculation.

Sports Minister James Merlino said the ground would be used by the Ashburton Women's Soccer Club and other groups for Women's Premier League games.
``The region surrounding Ashwood College has experienced significant growth in the number of people participating in organised soccer activities, so the new facility will be a great boost for the local community,'' Mr Merlino said.
He said work on the Cassinia Ave site was expected to start early next year, and be ready for the 2009 soccer season.
But the decision means two cricket clubs will be kicked off their grounds.
Ashwood Sports Club junior cricket  co-ordinator Paul Morrey said, while his group would accept the ``umpire's decision'', it was residents who would be most affected.

Cassinia Ave resident John Jarvis said he was concerned about lights and traffic.
``These ideas might be good in theory but, when it comes to practice, it leaves a lot to be desired,'' Mr Jarvis said.
Burwood state Labor MP Bob Stensholt said the new facility would include a senior and junior field, a training area, floodlighting, an upgraded pavilion and improved traffic management.

Ashburton Women's and Junior Women's Soccer Club secretary Michael Gurfinkiel welcomed the decision.
``Right now we are starting the season for the Women's Premier League and we haven't anywhere to train. The most important thing is training facilities and, if we can train six days a week, that would be fantastic.''
Ashburton reached the preliminary final of the 2007 WPL season.

Andrew Miller - 11Dec07 - Article kindly reprinted with permission of the Progress Leader