The club will kick off pre-season training next week at the new Featherbrook Oval, which the council urgently brought on line in December to cater for Point Cook's growing cricket, soccer and football clubs.

The oval will be a temporary base for local soccer players while their permanent home, the Point Cook Road Reserve, is being built. The major sports reserve is due for completion in time for the 2013 season.

Club secretary Samantha Smith said having a central playing venue would make life easier for players, parents and club volunteers.

"Last year, we started the season playing on a synthetic pitch at a local school, but the terms of use changed.

"We then played a couple of games at the VU facility before relocating to Lawrie Emmins Reserve for under-6 through to under-10s. Our under-11 and under-12 teams trained at Seabrook Primary School and were forced to play all their home games away from Point Cook."

Mrs Smith said some of the games were quite late, disrupting family time on the weekend. "Being split like this was very hard on the club and difficult for parents, particularly those with children playing in different age groups. The constant upheaval made the 2009 season a trying and difficult one."

Under-9 player Nathan Smith, who was one of the first to test out the new pitch, said he was looking forward to the 2010 season. "We are now playing and training in the suburb that is the same as our team name."

Mrs Smith said registrations had doubled last year, from 53 to 128 players.

The club will hold a come and try/registration day 4.30-6.30pm on February 12 at Featherbrook Oval, Sneydes Road. Organisers are also looking for coaches for all age groups. Details: 93953858.