Page 18 - BOL Nov20 Edition

North Lakes Eels Celebrate

Under Lights

The North Lakes Eels Junior AFL Club had a lot to celebrate teams and umpires, it was also an opportunity to bask in the
on Saturday 17th October 2020. glow of the brand-new lights, which were recently installed.
Hon Luke Howarth MP was in attendance to switch on the lights,
The presentation event, which was held at the Eels headquarters which resulted in the crowd erupting into cheers and applause.
at St. Benedict’s College Oval, was a wonderful way to Funding for the lights was provided by the Australian Federal
commemorate the 10th season for the club, individual and Government, which Mr Howarth was instrumental in securing,
team efforts of players throughout the season and along with the cooperation of St. Benedict’s College.
the installation of the new lights at the ground. “ The welcome addition of four 25m light

The North Lakes Eels had humble towers at the oval means the club can now
beginnings back in 2010 (with just two We want to make train later in the day, hold Friday night
teams) and have evolved over the past 10 games at their home ground, and host
years to become a successful Junior AFL everyone feel welcome, twilight social events, both during the
Club, totalling 165 registered players for footy season and in the off-season.
the 2020 season. This season the club feel a sense of belonging
fielded 12 teams, including two female The club hopes to continue kicking goals
teams. North Lakes Eels President, Patrick and be a part of the club, in the future, ‘we are working closely
Hagan, hopes to grow the club further in not just a spectator. with the college to develop new change
2021 with the introduction of an additional rooms and canteen facilities in the coming
two female teams - Under 14’s and Under years,’ says Patrick. But for now, the club will
15’s, and aims to ‘provide a safe and fun club enjoy a rest in the off season, before it all starts
(footy family) where kids can come and play footy again next year.
with their mates and learn new skills.’
For further information about the North Lakes Eels
The success of the North Lakes Eels would of course not be AFL Club head to their Facebook page:
possible without the support of many local sponsors. Having https://www.facebook.com/NorthLakesEels/

grown from just three businesses in 2018 to 18 business in
2020, sponsorship at the club has never looked better. Patrick
credits the wonderful players, families, committee members and
sponsors to creating such a friendly environment, ‘we want to
make everyone feel welcome, feel a sense of belonging and be a
part of the club, not just a spectator.’

The 2020 presentation event saw all teams celebrated, as well as
its Junior Umpires. The occasion was held outdoors and under
lights for the first time, with players and their families enjoying
a more casual event. Children happily kicked the footy between
awards and sampled goods from a variety of food trucks.
Entertainment was provided pre and post awards from local Phil
Micale, who rocked the crowd with his guitar and vocals.

Whilst the event aimed to recognise the effort of individuals,