IONA Football Club teams can now compete on home turf due to a major upgrade of their sporting facilities.
The Port Macquarie club now has field lights that meet official football standards, as the result of a grant from the Northern NSW Football Facilities Fund.
Tony Judge, President of the Iona Football Club, said the installation of the two new light poles and an additional four floodlights at the club’s home ground at St Columba Anglican School, enables Iona teams to play evening games “at home.”
“Previously we only had two light poles and because they were only [on] one side – we couldn’t play any [evening] competition games,” he said.
“[Now that] we’ve got a very well-lit field that meets all competition standards, we can play quite a high-level game of football.”
The new flood lights will allow for two evening games every Friday night and extend opportunities for junior competitions on Saturdays – from Under 12s to Under 14s girls and boys.
The improvements are also expected to benefit older teams.
“We have a senior women’s team that started last year, and this year we have two senior men’s teams, which is pretty exciting.”
Tony said the Iona men’s team will be moving up a level into the zone premier competition and being able to train at night will be of benefit.
“It’s also an opportunity for our teams to train longer hours especially in winter.”
The lighting upgrade marks a significant step forward for the Iona Football Club and will support player development and community engagement year-round.
By Sis HIGGINS
