Lochinvar Rovers Football Club is one step closer to playing under improved lighting after receiving $10,000 in funding under the Local Sports Grant Program.

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, joined with Club Secretary, Lisa Duhig, and Hunter Valley Football Operations Manager, Sarah White, yesterday to congratulate the Club on the good news.

Ms Aitchison said she was pleased to see the funding allocated to a grassroots sporting organisation committed to delivering personal and community benefits.

“This allocation of funding will be the first step in the right direction for the Club as they begin the upgrading of lighting,” Ms Aitchison said.

“I was lucky enough to spend some time with the Rovers juniors over the weekend. The Club has a really positive family atmosphere and I am pleased they have secured this funding,” Ms Aitchison said.

Ms Aitchison said the Club was looking forward to the new lighting as it has the potential to attract more sporting events to the area.

“The Lochinvar Sports Centre is a wonderful asset valued by the local community and will now have the potential to host a greater variety of sporting events that will be important for local businesses and tourism,” Ms Aitchison said.

Ms Aitchison said grassroots facilities were crucial to the success of football in the Maitland area.

“Every parent wants their children to play football at safe, secure and high quality venues. The Rovers are now on the right path to ensuring this,” Ms Aitchison said.