Coffs Harbour football receives a boost

Australian Football in Coffs Harbour received a boost after two projects were unveiled earlier this week, benefitting footballers of all levels – a lighting upgrade to Fitzroy Oval and the installation of AFL goalposts at Coffs Harbour Education Campus.

Over 1000 students in the region will have greater access to AFL with the installation of the iconic goalposts on the main oval at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus. Students from the Coffs Harbour Senior College, TAFE and Southern Cross University will now be able to spend their leisure time kicking goals on the Village Green.

Sports Coaching students at the Coffs Harbour Senior College who have already commenced an AFL coaching program will have immediate benefit from the project; while international students residing on campus will be able to experience a taste of Australia’s indigenous game right on their doorstep.

AFL NSW/ACT Northern NSW Manager Mark Heaney praised the relationships that assisted in securing these initiatives.

 “As tenants at Coffs Harbour Innovation Centre we were pleased that the Campus Board accepted our offer of goalposts and recognised the benefits and partnerships that could be further developed,” he said.

 
Students prepare to use the new goalposts.

Fitzroy Oval, located in the city centre, will now be available for wider use with the installation of 100 Lux lighting at the oval. Long term tenants Coffs Harbour Swans Junior and Senior AFL clubs are now ensured access for training purposes and junior night games with the addition of this lighting – enabling them to train and play at their home ground.

With funding contributions from Coffs Harbour City Council, AFL NSW/ACT and both clubs, there will be immediate benefit when the lights are switched on for night training this week.

AFL NSW/ACT Planning and Operations Manager Joseph La Posta said the club will benefit from the consolidation of their playing and training environments.

“This will greatly assist the club in their recruitment and retention of players as they will have one facility to call their home,” he said.

“AFL NSW/ACT would like to thank and acknowledge the Coffs Harbour City Council and the Coffs Harbour Swans junior and senior clubs for their willingness to invest in lighting at the ground.”