New lights have been officially switched on at John Edward Downie Sportsfield in Redland Bay, allowing Redland City Football Club to host night matches and training at their home ground for the first time.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty, who supported the project through her Councillor Community Infrastructure Program for Division 6, said she was pleased to see junior and senior players benefitting from the upgrade.
“The installation of lighting at John Edward Downie Sportsfield (Donald Road Sportsfield) has been a long time in the making and is a great reward for the players, families, volunteers and committee members at Redland City Football Club,” Cr Talty said.
“The club has been scoring goals on and off the field since their inaugural season in 2020 and I’m very pleased that footballers of all ages can now enjoy playing and training under lights on their home field for the first time.
“This will unlock so many opportunities for our local juniors and other players at Redland City FC, both now and into the future, while also positioning the club to attract high-level and representative matches to their ground.
“With the Socceroos capturing the attention of the nation during the Football World Cup, this is a great time to be investing in infrastructure that can help to grow the sport on Redlands Coast.
“All four towers installed as part of the project have been equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, providing a well-lit and safe environment for play and practice and helping to limit light impacts outside the ground.”
Cr Talty said the lighting was much needed for southern Redland and would help to get more locals involved in football.
“The extended playing hours provided by the new lighting ensures that our young footballers have the flexibility to participate in sport outside of school, university, or work commitments,” she said.
“There will also be benefits for the club’s senior teams, who have previously had to play their home matches during the day and take evening training sessions off site to the nearby Sel Outridge Park.
“The Redbacks have fantastic coaches and a highly dedicated committee who want to see their players succeed, so I was very pleased to provide support for this game-changing project through my Community Infrastructure Program for Division 6.
“It will really help to take the club’s match days to the next level and create an exciting experience for all involved, including coaches, supporters, referees and visiting teams.
“This is just one of several lighting upgrade or installation projects being delivered across the city in support of grassroots sport on Redlands Coast, with Council also providing funding towards projects at cricket, rugby league, softball and baseball venues.”
Redland City FC president Mal Hurman said the club was very appreciative of Council for installing lights at Donald Road Sportsfield.
“These lights are a dream come true for the club and have come after a number of years of growth and continual consultation with Council about how to best accommodate our growing numbers,” he said.
“The installation of lights opens up so many options for the club, having been at capacity with field space for the last two seasons.
“By increasing the hours available for the club to play games and offer training, we can now provide the opportunity for more locals to participate in football in Redland Bay.
“With the recent wet weather and washed-out weekends, the timing of the lights could not be better, with the club now able to reschedule mid-week games at home rather than having to reverse fixtures in order to get the games played.”
Council is currently investigating options to replace the public amenities building at the field.
