Courtesy: North Shore Times


Bowling greens turned into futsal courts at West Lindfield Sport and Recreation Club

by Fiona Brady

31 Jan 12

MEMBERS of a Lindfield sports club are hoping to breathe new life into their club by turning two disused bowling greens into futsal courts for five-a-side soccer.

West Lindfield Sport and Recreation Club was granted final approval for three synthetic courts in December and members hope they will be built and ready for an all-ages futsal competition by the end of the year. West Lindfield Sport and Recreation Club director Phil Killen hopes the redevelopment, seven years in the planning, will “reinvigorate” the volunteer-run club.

“We have two greens that haven’t been used for bowling in over 10 years and we wanted to utilise them for the benefit of the community,” he said.

“That was what gave rise to the thought that we would develop them into all-weather courts which could be used for multiple sports. “We obviously need an income stream to support the club and futsal will do that.”

The recreation club is a cooperative between Lindfield Football Club which has about 2000 members and West Lindfield Bowling Club which has only about 20 members.

The bowling lawn on the third green will still be used for bowls. “The concept is to provide a community facility while at the same time keeping the legacy of the bowling club alive and well,” Mr Killen said.

“One of the challenges of the bowling club is to attract new bowlers.

“Once the courts are in operation, we’ll have more visitors,” he said.

The all-weather courts could also be used for other sports such as basketball and netball, he added.

TURNING GREEN
Turning disused bowling greens into futsal facilities is a business model that has been followed by other Sydney clubs, including Manly Vale Calabria Bowling Club.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com