The upgrades will help Mid North Coast football players play and train after dark, thanks to a $251,056 boost from Round Four of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the upgrades will provide more reliable, energy-efficient lights for the 15 local clubs that use the facility.

“This is exactly the kind of project the Stronger Country Communities Fund was designed to help – delivering new and upgraded facilities, infrastructure, and programs that make a big difference to everyday life in the bush,” Mr Toole said.

Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the funding would benefit more than 200 players from Forster to Old Bar, ranging from junior development squads to National Premier League teams for men and women.

“This funding will help to replace the four existing poles with steel poles and replace halogen globes with brighter and more energy efficient LED lighting which will save Football Mid North Coast $20,000 a year on power bills,” Mr Bromhead said.

“Not only will the new lights save the club money, the LED lighting will be much more reliable, saving the club time from continually changing halogen globes that keep blowing.”

Football Mid North Coast Chairman Lance Fletcher said the upgrades will extend the operating times for clubs with quality lighting to brighten up local games and club training.

“Football is such a huge part of the local sporting community and to be able to give players and coaches a more reliable and efficient source of lighting is something that will benefit clubs now and into the future,” Mr Fletcher said.

Video By | Rob Douglas