BOWLERS will soon share their greens with soccer players, with the introduction of five-a-side soccer at the Cambridge Bowling Club.
The club has transformed one of its unused grass bowling greens into two soccer pitches and is starting an outdoor five-a-side soccer competition on Wednesday, April 18, in partnership with Football West.
Games will run from 5-9pm in 25-minute halves and are open to all ages, for male and female players who are interested in forming teams to play in a social competition.
The pitch has also been designed so it can be rotated to reduce wear and tear of the surface and will be maintained by the club’s groundskeeper.
Football West provided the boarding around the edges of the pitch and netting, while the bowling club has installed new lights.
Bowling club president Graham Leeks said it was a “win win” situation for both groups, raising money for the bowling club and raising the profile of soccer.
“Indoor five-a-side soccer isn’t a new concept, but the difference is this competition will be played outside under lights and can happen at any time of day during the year,” Mr Leeks said.
“Other clubs use grass spaces for things like volleyball, netball and petanque. Just by chance I got in contact with Football West and they were really interested, so the idea just went from there,” he said.
“We think it’s a marvellous opportunity for the club to generate income from a ground that was underutilised and costing us money to water and mow, so we’re glad it’s being put to good use.”
He said the Town of Cambridge, which owns the club, had been very supportive.
“We’re not surrounded by any residential areas, there’s a shopping centre, school and a park, so having noise and lights on until 10pm at night will be no problems and won’t affect anyone.”
The Town of Claremont recently rejected an application from Area 5 Football due to objections from nearby residents because of potential noise, traffic and parking problems.
To nominate a side, call bowling captain Chris Lander on 9387 3018, 0409 083 053 or email cambridgebowlsclub@bigpond.com.au.