By David Claridge

THE FUTURE of night football in Prospect is looking bright with new oval lights recently installed.

As part of a long process between the Prospect Hawks Football Club, the AFL and Meander Valley Council the club was able to have LED lights installed, the first for grassroots football in Tasmania.

To commemorate this achievement, the Prospect Hawks have hosted a series of night games in April.

Vice President Prospect Hawks Football Club, David McCormack, hopes that the new lights will encourage more night games at Prospect Park.

‘This gives us more light and with that more opportunities,’ he said. ‘The LED lights, are the first array in Tasmania on a field, better light, less cost, longer life, it’s a significant thing.

‘Prospect Park is a highly sought-after field with its high-quality surface, it’s used by many other teams and even the Northern Tasmanian Umpires are based here for training.

‘We are looking to get some Deloraine girls’ teams soon. We are providing many opportunities for female footballers also.’

The Prospect Hawks initiated conversation with the AFL about the need to have their ground and lights redeveloped to benefit their 300 players and 11 teams.

The AFL, the State Government, a grant from the Community Infrastructure Fund and Meander Valley Council all contributed to make it happen. Prospect Park is scheduled to field 120 games this year, many of those at night.