Stellenbosch FC are set to get a new state-of-the-art home after the Stellenbosch Municipality accepted the club’s bid to operate and develop the Van der Stel Sports Complex.
In the partnership, the municipality and Stellenbosch FC, in collaboration with the ACE Trust and Open Play Foundation, will join forces to create what the club is calling a true “field of dreams”.
Following the agreement, R395 million will be invested over five years in the facility with Stellenbosch FC managing and developing the complex over an initial 30-year term while the Stellenbosch Municipality retains ownership of its valuable public asset.
What can fans expect from the new facility?
The proposed development plan includes: Football facilities, including a 5,000-seater stadium (upgradable to 10,000 seats in future phases), four international standard full-size grass football fields, and six multi-purpose small-sided fields/courts.
It will also have a sports high school for 200 learners, a 150-bed residence for student-athletes, a 300-metre grass athletics track.
The school will offer excellent education and the highest quality coaching to learners for a number of sporting codes. The ACE Trust will secure full bursaries for deserving learners, while also being accessible to other talented youth on a commercial basis.
Stellenbosch Municipality to play key role
Parking infrastructure with a multi-storey parking facility with 600-800 bays is also part of the plan.
“We are grateful to the Municipality and the community of Stellenbosch for the opportunity to manage and develop this landmark complex over the next 30 years,” said Stellies CEO Rob Benadie.
“The Van der Stel Complex is the ideal home for the town’s football club, and SFC is privileged to bring the excitement and benefits of professional sport to the facility.”
The new facility will be home for Stellenbosch FC teams (men’s, women’s, youth), the ACE Trust’s sports high school, and the Open Play Foundation’s community development programmes.
