Bright lights for Ballarat Soccer Club

THE Ballarat Soccer Club and the Redan community will soon be enjoying lighter, brighter sports facilities thanks to a funding boost.

Visiting the facility last week, Member for Wendouree, Sharon Knight announced Pleasant Street Reserve would get a major lighting upgrade as part of the new round of the State Government’s $180 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

“I am pleased to be here to announce $250,000 towards lights and that will be great for all the young people, and not so young people, who play soccer here,” she said.

“There are a whole range of ages that use this ground and we know once darkness hits… it’s a bit hard to see.”

Ms Knight added that the players had to rely on a couple of spotlights, which was not very effective and not safe.

“The Andrews Labor Government is all about encouraging people to play sport and that’s why we have partnered with the City of Ballarat, and it will be great,” she said.

President of the Ballarat Soccer Club, Jason Thurgood, said the announcement was, “fantastic for the club and the kids.”

“We have 200 juniors, all playing in the arc of a light, so the upgrade with the lights will just be fantastic for them,” he said.

“We also have the senior ladies and the senior men, we have reserves mens, under 15, under 17 and every age group in the league – sometimes two teams – and we are up around the 280 mark.

“With the lights, in winter, everyone will be able to train and see the ball.”