Upgrade works have begun on Sunbury’s Eric Boadman Reserve outdoor netball courts, promising increased opportunities for local netball matches and training.
Starting early last month and set to finish in late-March, the existing asphalt court will be converted to an acrylic surface, and a second competition-standard asphalt court will be constructed.
Other facility upgrades as part of the $1.5 million Hume council-funded project will include new fencing, 200 lux LED lights, and seating.
Sunbury Kangaroos junior netball co-ordinator Jessica Geary said that the upgrades will address ongoing issues that affected the club.
‘We will not have to worry about going to training and finding the courts underwater as the draining system wasn’t the best … or having to come extra early on a Sunday to ensure the courts were safe enough to play on,’ Ms Geary said.
“The lighting … will make it a lot safer for players, coaches and parents. The extra seating and shelter is something that we have lacked not only for the players, but for spectators as well. It will bring a whole new atmosphere on game day,” she said.
Ms Geary said the second court will be so beneficial as player numbers grow, allowing for increased training and competition opportunities.
Club member Ava said that the second court “will really help bring that club energy” because teams will get to train together more, promoting “new connections with team mates and players.”
Sunbury Kangaroos Football Netball Club president Marc Bullows said that the key benefit of the upgrades is recruitment, as the club has previously struggled to recruit players due to its facilities.
“It’s been a long road … we’ve always struggled with time slots, trying to combine the juniors and seniors, but having two courts is ideal,” Mr Bullows said.
Oscar Parry
