SANFL Securing Second Ovals

By ZAC MILBANK

SANFL’s unwavering commitment to securing second ovals for its clubs has continued with the unveiling of new lights at the Playford International College.

Following South Adelaide’s successful union with Cardijn College, Central District has linked up with Playford International College to provide a secondary training space for its junior and women’s teams.

The $1.8 million project was supported by a significant $920,000 contribution from City of Playford and grant funding from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing as the Bulldogs form an enviable union with the College alongside its existing facility at X Convenience Oval, Elizabeth.

“We commend the City of Playford for its collaborative approach to developing sporting facilities in the area,” SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said.

”This project also supports SANFL’s strategy to access an additional 20 ovals in the greater metropolitan region by 2031.

“The new lighting at Playford International College will significantly increase the capacity of a second oval for Central District Football Club to support the growth and success of its women’s and junior programs.”

Central District CEO Greg Edwards said it was vital for SANFL clubs to have a secondary training space to accommodate the needs of expanding women’s and junior programs.

“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,” Edwards said.

“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.”

At Noarlunga, the Panthers have successfully partnered with neighbouring Cardijn College to provide a secondary training space for its women’s and junior squads.

A State Government Grant of $187, 700 was matched through a partnership involving Cardijn College, South Adelaide Football Club, SANFL and the AFL to remove the cricket pitch, install a new scoreboard and provide four LED lighting poles to enable night training.

“Cardijn College have been a fantastic neighbour and partner of South Adelaide for a long period of time,” South Adelaide CEO Neill Sharpe said.

”We are extremely grateful for their support with this project.

“To strengthen this partnership and provide the club with access to a secondary football-only oval in close proximity with lighting over the winter months is a significant benefit.

“This will allow us to properly cater for the growth in the game, especially in female sport.”

The SANFL State League Facility Framework (2022 – 2032) outlines plans for SANFL clubs to work with local schools and councils to develop joint usage plans which are mutually beneficial.

Sturt Football Club has been working in tandem with Urrbrae Agricultural High School and Cornerstone College in its recruiting zones for alternate venues while Woodville-West Torrens has developed a secondary facility at Eastern Parade, Ottoway, for the use of its women’s and junior teams.