Pittwater RSL FC have announced the completion of their fantastic new state-of-the-art LED lighting system at their home ground Kitchener Park.
The club have reaped the rewards of the NSW Football Legacy Fund as their latest project with the Northern Beaches Council securing the maximum contribution of $150,000 in Round 1 of the Legacy Fund earlier this year.
The installation of six new light poles with efficient LED lights means the lights are now up to current Australian Standards for soccer which is a huge milestone.
The lights are centrally controlled allowing users to switch to a training mode which reduces the energy output. This creates a training environment that increases safety and security as well as the club now being able to host night games, a privilege absent for numerous years.
Ben Collock, President of Pittwater RSL FC, expressed his delight at the opportunities this brings for the club in the future in Football NSW’s press release.
“We can now play night games for the first time in this clubs history,” he said.
“The first night game we played was the women’s premier league, which had a great attendance and was really exciting.”
Pittwater RSL FC are anticipating a major influx in new female participants thanks to the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and this upgrade is vital in ensuring that the club can cater to the extra members that are due to arrive.
The women’s game has always been a big focus for Pittwater RSL FC, with the club now boasting a football community of over 1,200 members and more than 35% of that consisting of female player registrations.
NSW Legacy Facilities and Grants Officer, James Spanoudakis explained the decision to choose Kitchener Park for the funding, adding via media release:
“The lighting upgrade at Kitchener Park has already proven to be an invaluable asset for Pittwater RSL FC,” he said
“The new lights will amplify the clubs capacity by an additional 3-4 sessions per night and allow night games in the largest football association in NSW.
“The lighting upgrade will provide female footballers with extended opportunities to relish the sport alongside their friends and will inspire their engagement with the game for years to come.”
This lighting upgrade at Kitchener Park is a great use of funds by Football NSW as it brings a multitude of benefits for a striving club that has a clear goal of rapidly increasing female participation and the potential to expand Kitchener Park into a more useful venue.
