Futsal and tennis in Ōtaki were boosted recently with the awarding of a $120,000 grant in November to install floodlighting around the courts at Ōtaki Sports Club.

The grant from community funding agency New Zealand Community Trust covers the bulk of the $125,000 lighting project and means the club can now make a start on the construction works.

Six 12-metre pylons, each holding two LED floodlights, are to be erected around the courts, that consist of four tennis courts and two futsal courts.

Club president Hannah Grimmett says the club is very appreciative that New Zealand Community Trust saw the merit in its funding application and understood the high importance of sport to the Ōtaki community.

"We have an amazing group of dedicated volunteers at the club putting in hard yards to ensure the success of all sorts of quality sporting opportunities for our tamariki, rangatahi and adults. This lighting will help widen the tennis and football options they can provide,” Hannah said.

Article added: Thursday 02 December 2021