More children are able to participate in junior sport outside of crowded weekends thanks to the new floodlights at the Orrong Romanis Reserve.
The lights are not only providing greater energy efficiency and better lighting levels, the upgrade has allowed Melbourne Rugby Union Football Club (MRUFC) to field full junior teams for Friday night games.
The club was finding it challenging to field full teams on weekends as many high school students had conflicting schedules with school sport. The previous lighting prevented the club from hosting Friday night games, meaning teams had to travel elsewhere to play ‘home’ games.
MRUFC committee member Anthony Iezzi said the new lighting has had a positive impact on junior participation and the club in general.
“When you come to the ground it’s just a totally different look and feel, it looks like a proper sports field now,” he said.
“It’s bright, it’s safe, all parts of the field now have light on them – now we can use every single metre of green space that we have, and that’s a massive benefit for us.”
In June, the club hosted its first Friday night home match for the under-16 team against Geelong. In addition, the under-14 team hosted Geelong in July and the under-14 and under-16 teams hosted a double-header in August against Endeavour Hills.
Going forward, the club hopes to use the evening time slot to attract additional players in the 13-18 age range.
First published in Active Stonnington on 28 August 2023
