Nightcliff, Bagot ovals lighting plans approved by Darwin council

LIGHTING plans for Bagot and Nightcliff ovals will go ahead as per the plans, providing soccer and junior football teams with adequate lighting to play after dark

Nightcliff president Jeff Borella said being able to field junior games under lights will improve community participation and growth of the game. Picture: Keri Megelus

LIGHTING plans for Bagot and Nightcliff ovals will go ahead as per the plans, providing soccer and junior football teams with adequate lighting to play after dark.

Darwin council on Tuesday night approved plans which will see junior football games played until 9pm at Nightcliff Oval on Fridays and Saturdays and senior soccer matches played under lights at Bagot Oval on Fridays and Sundays.

Alderman George Lambrinidis said the lighting would improve sporting culture and solve fixturing difficulties within Darwin sporting clubs.

READ MORE: NIGHTCLIFF, BAGOT OVALS LIGHTING PLANS REVEALED

“Clubs find it difficult to schedule when they play … having kids play in the morning, as soon as it hits 9am, the sun comes out and it's a very difficult and intense heat and it’s not good for kids … there’s now opportunities for all ages to play games when they like,” he said.

“With lighting, you’re able to have younger plays come and play and hang around while the seniors play.

“It also means the seniors can come early and watch the juniors and really build club culture.”

Both ovals are expecting further infrastructure works, including a carpark at Bagot oval and a scoreboard at Nightcliff.