New lighting has been installed on the oval at Playford International College as part of Council’s investment in supporting participation in local sport.

The $1.8 million project was supported by grant funding from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and a $920K contribution from City of Playford, to help meet growing participation in Australian Rules Football, largely due to an increase in female participation.

The project also included the installation of three unisex changerooms, each with showers, toilets and trainer's room at Central District Football Club in November 2022.

Mayor Glenn Docherty said that these upgrades are a nod to Council’s support and investment in local sport and another piece in the puzzle towards developing a high-quality sports precinct.

“This project is part of our greater Playford Regional Sports Precinct Masterplan, which looks to open schools more to our wider community. It's just one of the ways that Council is delivering on its promise of fostering an active and connected City.

“The installation of the oval lights at Playford International College means that another facility in the sports precinct is providing even more opportunities for sports participation for multiple uses and for generations to come,” said Mayor Glenn Docherty.

A shared use arrangement will be in place for the oval, with the facility being used by the Central District Football Club to support its expanding programs, particularly for junior and female participants.

Playford International College Principal, Karen Bond said that allowing the oval to now be used by the wider community has brought a vision to life.

“The upgrade of the facilities through the addition of lights provides a wonderful opportunity for this space to be utilised and enjoyed by the local community and beyond. The school is delighted that we could collaborate with the Central District Football Club, SANFL, City of Playford and the Department for Education to bring this vision to life, “said Ms Bond.

Through the growing partnership between the school and the Central District Football Club, it is hoped that young aspiring footballers will be inspired to follow a pathway from school participation to SANFL competition as a bulldog.

SANFL Chief Executive Officer, Darren Chandler said that the new lighting significantly increases the capacity of a second oval for Central District Football Club to support the growth and success of its women’s and junior programs.

“We commend the City of Playford for its collaborative approach to developing sporting facilities in the area. This project also supports SANFL’s strategy to access an additional 20 ovals in the greater metropolitan region by 2031,” said Darren.

Central District Football Club Chief Executive Officer, Greg Edwards said that the coaches and players were excited to utilise a space designed for football, day or night.

“Now having two women’s teams, two junior girls teams (Under 15 & Under 17) plus two men’s teams and five junior boys teams (Under 13 – Under 18’s), it is imperative we have oval space for all to train, develop their skills and enjoy the pathway they’re on.

“For the school, it provides an outstanding recreation space which is professionally curated and looked after to enable students to enjoy and develop their skills. It’s something for all of Playford to be proud of,” said Greg Edwards.

Further upgrades are planned at the sports precinct including installation of new light towers at the regional softball hub to increase opportunities for participation in a variety of sports.