Wallace plans major soccer development

September 2002

Underage soccer supremo Michael Wallace is aiming to give soccer a whole new image in the county.

Many local activists have been disillusioned by the lack of progress on a major grounds development, despite plans by the Wexford & District League, but Wallace says this is all about to change as he has vowed to make a new stadium proposal a reality within the next two years.

Wallace has purchased 14 acres of land in Crossabeg with a view to developing the grounds into a soccer complex and ultimately bringing League of Ireland football to the Model County in the next three years.

He is pushing ahead with the development off his own bat, with an initial outlay of some €600,000 being ploughed into the new venture.

‘Pitch development will get under way this week,’ he confirmed.

‘We will have two all-weather pitches initially, along with an astro turf all-weather training pitch. I also hope to build a two-storey dressing room complex once planning permission is received, with this to include an upstairs viewing area for the public,’ he added.

Wallace sees this development as an initial step to fulfilling his dream of bringing League of Ireland soccer to Wexford.

‘Should we get into League of Ireland soccer, then I will be looking at the development of covered facilities to cater for supporters,’ he said.

Wallace feels that this arrangement can only be good for Wexford soccer, as it will supplement the proposed Wexford League development of three pitches and dressing room facilities on the Newtown Road in Wexford town, where work is expected to progress forward shortly.