Cessnock City Council at its meeting last Wednesday night agreed to sign off on a training site agreement that would involve the South Cessnock complex.

Cr. Bob Pynsent said that if Australia’s bid comes off, what an attraction it would be for the city.

He said council did spend that extra bit when it built the sportsground but can now boast something that is world class.

FIFA official met with Cessnock council officers in October last year and put forward a list of training ground criteria that is used to help evaluate ground suitability.

Council was told the ground met the majority of the criteria with the exception of a deficiency in floodlights and availability of a secondary independent power supply.

The ground would need to be available from mid June to the end of July. This will impact on the operations of the ground which is licensed to Cessnock Rugby League Club.

Council will know more when FIFA announces the host countries for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in December this year.

In 2015, FIFA, the FFA and council representatives will hold a site selection tour inspecting the venue to re-evaluate the training area.

The report said that if Cessnock is accepted as a host training city it is difficult to determine budget requirements due to the extended time frame but costs could include a floodlight upgrade costing $50,000, re-turfing the main field $60,000, providing a secondary power supply $18,000 and enmity upgrade $40,000 for a total outlay of $168,000.

However, by this time the complex will be 10 years old and would most likely be in need of upgrading in certain areas.

Hosting an international training site would bring national and international media focus on Cessnock and provide coaching clinic and fan days opportunities and showcase the region to a wide audience.

Director Infrastructure and Services, David Pavey, told the meeting he understands government funding could be available to perform the necessary works at the ground.

Cr. Jeff Maybury said Weston has the best football ground, in the area and that it should be included in the bid. Mr. Pavey said this could be suggested to FFA as well.