FC WESTERN LIGHTS UP

New Plymouth’s FC Western has been fostering football in Taranaki for 22 years.

“Historically, we were a senior club with a mission to promote, encourage and organise the playing of association football across Taranaki, with a focus on developing talent, building community and fostering lifelong enjoyment of the game,” said Luke Stancliffe-White, Club President.

“In the last five years we’ve created a junior club which has gone from two to nine teams this season and looks set to grow to 12 next year. Our senior club’s just been promoted into the Central League, too, which is the highest representative football team from our region. 

“That means competing with teams outside the region, which creates more of a pathway for the kids to aspire to play at a higher level.”

Western FC shares its Lynmouth Park fields with the Marist Cricket Club, which means the grounds are well-used all year round.

“In 2016, Toi helped us put lights up around the grounds. We train in the evenings, and since it’s dark by 6 o’clock in winter, we really need those lights to see,” said Luke.

Over the years, many lights had blown or faded. So, in 2024, Toi funding of $10,000 helped the club replace 16 bulbs. 

“It’s made a big difference to the 200+ club members, as well as those from outside the club, who can now stroll around the park or kick balls at night because the lights are on.

“Previously, there was enough light to train, but you couldn’t really see properly. Now, the lighting’s so good you could play a night game on it.

“So that’s something that we can look at doing in the future, which is great because more accessible football is great for everyone.”

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