Players are ready to kick on at Dixon Field after the announcement of a new grant.
Macedon Ranges council has received $200,000 for the installation of new 150 lux LED lighting to one soccer pitch at Dixon Field, Gisborne.
The grant is part of round two of the state government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
For the Gisborne Soccer Club who calls this field home, the grant is a welcome boost that will help support the club.
“We can double the size of our training area for our club and increase participation by about 30 per cent,” club secretary Leonie Williams said.
Ms Williams said the club has seen a “phenomenal increase” in membership numbers over the past three to four years, especially within the girls’ and women’s teams.
With the game predominantly being a winter sport, this lighting upgrade will get players back on the field.
“We find that half of our available land space is in the dark,” Ms Williams said.
“We currently have temporary lights there at the moment to try and increase the space that we can use for training in particular so that everyone has a safe and large enough space to train.”
The players were thrilled to receive the news, welcoming the investment into soccer in the Ranges.
Ms Williams said this will be a big step in improving playing conditions on the field, and hopes to soon see improved drainage, and improvements to the car park.
While details aren’t yet confirmed on when works will commence, the club hopes it’ll be finished in time for the beginning of next season.
