The City of Greater Geelong has completed a $350 000 upgrade to sports lighting at the Lara Recreation Reserve to deliver AFL training conditions for players at the Lara Football and Netball Club.

The upgrade to LED 150 lux lighting was funded through the City’s 2019-20 Community Grants program.

The club successfully applied for a $350 000 Community Infrastructure Grant to bring the oval up to AFL training standards and improve safety for players and spectators.

Councillor Kylie Grzybek

Lara Football and Netball Club’s facilities are in high demand with more male and female senior junior and Auskick participants wanting to play football every year.

The upgrade means the club can train on its own grounds at night opening up opportunities for more players to be involved at different times.

Our local sporting clubs are the heart and soul of our communities. These clubs are about more than sport – they help people connect and combat social isolation.

It’s great news as the club welcomes back players after an interrupted season due to COVID-19.

Councillor Anthony Aitken

Investing in community sport in Lara means even more people will be able to take marks and kick goals.

Delivering better lighting means the club can cater to the growing number of people that want to train and play football at night.

It’s so exciting that restrictions have lifted and our footy teams Auskickers cricketers and netballers can get back out on the field in all conditions.