UNVEILING OF RICHARDS RESERVE | LET THERE BE LIGHT

Pascoe Vale Football Club member practices at Richards Reserve, Coburg North

The club uses the reserve as a training ground, but until recently play had to cease after dark, which put a strain on the club’s training sc

hedules, particularly in winter months.

Ahead of this project, Richards Reserve had just one floodlight, which Moreland Mayor Councillor Samantha Ratnam explains was not enough to light even a small portion of the reserve.

“Thanks to this upgrade there are now four floodlights at 100 LUX, lighting the entire area and allowing both junior and senior teams to train safely at night,” said Cr Ratnam.

Launch of lighting upgrade at Richards Reserve, Coburg North

This lighting upgrade follows a refurbishment at Hosken Reserve in Coburg North in 2013, which provided the Pascoe Vale Football Club with fantastic conditions for spectators at night games as well as better quality training opportunities. This laid the groundwork for increasing junior and female participation at the club and creating better links with schools and the community.

“This wonderful ground can now be used to its full capacity, enabling the club to continue building on its membership base,” said Cr Ratnam.

“This project greatly improves access to high quality facilities in Moreland and will hopefully increase community participation in this world sport.

“The Pascoe Vale Football Club participates in the Victorian Premier League, which is the highest competition in Victoria, and these lighting upgrades will go a long way in ensuring they continue their on and off-field success.”

Soccer players at Richards Reserve, Coburg North

Council provided $125,000 towards the project, the Victorian State Government provided $100,000 and the Pascoe Vale Soccer Club contributed $15,000, which, the Mayor noted at Friday’s launch, is a lot of money for a community organisation.

“The opening of these improved facilities is a great achievement by all concerned and an asset for Moreland. Everyone involved should be proud of their efforts,” concluded Cr Ratnam.

Article Moreland City Council.
Pictured MP Lizzie Blandthorn ,PVFC President Jim Tona , PVFC Council Liasing Officer Lou Tona

Updated 13:41 - 2 Mar 2016 by PASCOE VALE FOOTBALL CLUB