REDLAND City Football Club can host night matches and training at its Redland Bay home ground for the first time following the installation of new field lighting.
Four lighting towers equipped with energy-efficient LEDs have been officially switched on at John Edward Downie Sportsfield, also known as Donald Road Sportsfield.
The upgrade will extend playing hours, increase the club’s capacity and allow washed-out fixtures to be rescheduled as midweek home games.
Redland City Acting Mayor Julie Talty, who supported the project through the Councillor Community Infrastructure Program for Division 6, said the lights would benefit junior and senior players.
“The installation of lighting at John Edward Downie 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 its 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.”
Cr Talty said the project could help the club attract high-level and representative matches while encouraging more people to participate in football.
The LED lights were designed to provide a safe and well-lit playing environment while limiting impacts outside the ground.
The extended hours would also give players greater flexibility to train and compete around school, university and work commitments.
Redland City FC’s senior teams previously had to play home matches during the day and conduct evening training sessions at nearby Sel Outridge Park.
Cr Talty said the upgrade would transform the club’s match-day experience for players, 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,” she said.
Council is also contributing funding towards lighting projects at cricket, rugby league, softball and baseball venues.
Redland City FC president Mal Hurman described the new lights as a “dream come true” following several years of club growth and consultation with the council.
“The installation of lights opens up so many options for the club, having been at capacity with field space for the last two seasons,” Mr Hurman said.
“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.”
Mr Hurman said the project was particularly timely after wet weather caused several weekends of matches to be washed out.
The club can now reschedule those games at its home ground during the week instead of reversing fixtures and playing away.
Council is also investigating options to replace the public amenities building at the sportsfield.
