Newcastle Jets academy moves after unpaid venue debts
Newcastle Jets academy relocated from its home of six years after outstanding hire fees blocked a new deal.
The Newcastle Jets youth academy has been forced from the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility at Speers Point. The facility was home to 13 teams of about 200 players since 2020.
Outstanding debts to the facility operator, Northern NSW Football, have halted contract renewal. Teams now train temporarily at Ray Watt Oval and university fields.
The academy costs players about $3,500 each to join. Competition starts mid-February.
A synthetic pitch at Speers Point is also due for repair work within a fortnight. This adds to the timing pressure.
The Herald reported in August that the Jets had been late with payments to several Newcastle businesses.
- about 200
- Players in academy
- 6
- Years at Speers Point
- $3,500
- Cost per player
- 13
- Teams displaced
Why it mattersPlayers and parents face disruption weeks before the competitive season; the club's financial strain is affecting grassroots sport.
AustraliaNewcastle's academy programme disrupted at a critical time, affecting junior development in a region that feeds the A-League team.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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