sydneyconfidential

 

THEY might be Sydney's newest sports stars but the Western Sydney Wanderers have been kicked off their training ground by one of Hollywood's biggest names - Angelina Jolie. 

The actress turned director is bringing her new film project Unbroken to Sydney and has secured exclusive access to the Blacktown International Sportspark - with its athletics running track - for two months of filming from November 25.

The movie tells the true story of a former US Olympic runner Louie Zamperini, who was captured by the Japanese during World War II and forced to compete against enemy soldiers.

Angelina Jolie directs the film 'Unbroken' in Queensland / Picture: Universal Source: Supplied

 

The confidential movie deal is a boost to the local economy and is supported by Blacktown Council, which operates the sportspark. But it means the Wanderers - the A-League's runaway success - and the local athletics club have to find another place to train at a crucial time in their seasons.

ANGELINA JOLIE'S LIFE IN THE AUSSIE FAST LANE
 
Wanderers executive chairman Lyall Gorman said the club, which will move operations to a nearby football field, would overlook the inconvenience to focus on the benefits.

"While disappointed with the disruption to our training base during our season, we are understanding of the big picture this potential opportunity brings western Sydney," he said.

"If what we have heard about the production and the nature of some of the stars coming to

Billy Spliadis with other members of The Mount Pritchard and Blacktown Athletics Club at the entrance Blacktown Sports Centre. Source: News Limited

Blacktown is true, then it is a good thing for both the local area and the broader region."

But not so happy is the Blacktown City Athletics Club which described the shutout as a significant setback. Its members will have to trek to the next closest competition-standard synthetic running track - at Homebush - to train.

ANGELINA SHOWS SYDNEY AN UNBROKEN SMILE
 
"We have about 10 to 15 athletes who train there every week," club president Jessica Cobb said.
"On top of that, a lot of younger athletes are quite upset because they're going to have trouble getting their parents to drive them all the way to Homebush.

Angelina Jolie in Sydney / Picture: Splash News Source: Splash News Australia

 

"It is frustrating to think that management cares more about money than they do about providing a facility to local residents."

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Last week, centre management announced the facility would be unavailable for athletics training and bookings from November 25 until January 20 due to an "exclusive­ hire".

"Due to confidentiality agreements that are in place for the booking we are not able to disclose the details of the hire," a spokeswoman said.

However, the Daily Telegraph has confirmed from other sources it is Jolie's movie - her second as a director.

Shooting began in Moreton Bay, Queensland, last month, while sets have also been constructed on Cockatoo Island.

An aerial view of Blacktown International Sportspark. Source: Supplied

The Western Sydney Wanderers have been booted from their training field by Angelina Jolie! We're LIVE @ Blacktown Sportspark, come down!
— The Today Show (@thetodayshow) November 12, 2013

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