Grassroots football in the Sutherland Shire has received a massive shot in the arm with Sylvania Heights Football Club unveiling a remarkable $2.9 million upgrade to their home ground at Box Road Reserve just weeks before the season opener.
The comprehensive redevelopment features two re-levelled grass pitches complete with irrigation and enhanced drainage systems designed for year-round use.
The upgrade also includes cutting-edge smart-control LED floodlighting, a purpose-built viewing platform, and improved fencing and pathways to bolster safety and accessibility for players and spectators alike.
This ambitious project was delivered through a collaborative effort between Sutherland Shire Council and the club’s parent organisation, the Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, with crucial backing from the State Government, Cricket NSW and significant contributions from the Club itself.
In a ceremony held last Saturday, the transformed facilities were officially opened with a host of dignitaries in attendance, including Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd, Dr. Sarah Kaine MLC, Miranda MP Eleni Petinos, and councillors Carmelo Pesce, Jen Armstrong and Haris Strangas.
Representatives from Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, Cricket NSW, Football NSW, and Sutherland Shire Football Association were also on hand to celebrate the milestone.
Chris Plakias, Vice President of Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, highlighted the crucial role Football NSW played throughout the funding process.
“Football NSW’s support was invaluable to us during the critical bid stage and greatly assisted us in successfully securing funding from the NSW Government,” Plakias mentioned via official FNSW media release.
“We are extremely pleased to have realised our vision of creating a modern, high-quality and accessible community sporting facility.
“Football is the Club’s largest activity and what a fantastic way to launch into the 2025 Winter football season than with these state-of-the-art facilities.”
Helen Armson, Football NSW’s Head of Strategic Partnership and Corporate Affairs, emphasised how the redevelopment aligns perfectly with the organisation’s broader infrastructure goals.
“It’s very rewarding to witness the commitment and persistence of the many volunteers who oversaw this project through to completion,” Armson commented via official FNSW media release.
“This upgrade aligns perfectly with Football NSW’s Infrastructure Strategy of advocating for better facilities leading to connected communities and this was evident today.
“We look forward to seeing teams from Sylvania Heights FC benefit from this upgrade and playing under lights on their new pitch in May.”
The multi-purpose venue isn’t exclusive to football, as it also hosts cricket and OzTag competitions, along with various school and community events throughout the year.
The updated facilities will be a huge bonus for the area and a fantastic space to develop the footballing and sporting prowess of the community.
