Bell Park Sports Club to shine brighter

NEW state-of-the-art lighting upgrades at Bell Park Sports Club will allow the Batesford-based soccer club to increase playing and training opportunities for all.

The $397,00 upgrade will offer the club and its growing membership base a suite of advantages including energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and improved safety for players, spectators, volunteers, members and the general community.

The upgrades were officially opened last Friday night by City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Anthony Aitken, Member for Lara Ella George and Bell Park Sports Club president Rose Pirrottina.

Cr Aitken said the Bell Park upgrades had come at a fitting time for the community.

“What perfect timing to be officially celebrating the completion of this project with the FIFA Women’s World Cup currently underway on Australian soil.

“Bell Park Sports Club has been a pioneer in women’s and girls’ soccer in the Geelong region.

“These new LED lights enable the club to maximise the usage of their existing pitches to cater for the explosion of women’s sport participation we are experiencing and help develop future Matildas stars.”

Ms George said the project would provide the club with more opportunities moving forward.

“Modern facilities like the new lighting at Bell Park mean the next generation – including women and girls – will have the best possible opportunities to get involved in the sports they love.”

Ms Pirrottina added the lighting would give the club more playing time.

“It’s just amazing. This lighting upgrade gives us an opportunity to enjoy our field and club rooms during evening hours.

“Now we can play night games.”

Funding for the upgrades were provided by COGG ($39,500) and the Victorian government ($357,500).