Trident High School’s playing fields will soon be in the spotlight, with the installation of eight new floodlights.

The new lighting, made possible with the support of a $177,200 grant from Trust Horizon, will make Trident one of the few high schools in New Zealand with flood-lit fields and will change the game for winter sport.

Previously, training and games were restricted to daylight hours. Matches scheduled mid-week saw students leaving class at lunchtime to prepare to kick off at 3pm.

This led to a loss of over 50 hours of learning time per season for Trident’s rugby and football teams.

Next winter, the school will be able to host teams from around the Eastern and Western Bay for mid-week games – without having to sacrifice valuable time in the classroom.

Trident also looks forward to inviting other local schools and community groups to make use of both fields’ extended usable hours.

Assistant principal Jonathan Stan-hope said the idea of floodlights was first floated during a conversation about establishing a Trident Old Boys’ team.

“We were talking about setting up an old boys’ football team as a way to build social connection and support men’s mental health, but there just wasn’t any field time available for them to train,” he said.

“I made a joke about needing floodlights, but then thought, ‘hang on, is this something we could actually explore?’”

A serendipitous conversation at the Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne festival gave him the idea of applying to Trust Horizon for a grant.

“When Jonathan outlined the need and the opportunities these floodlights would create, the trust was pleased to lend its support,” said Trust Horizon trustee David Bulley.

“Field lighting would not only benefit the school but also the wider community, encouraging more local sport and connection throughout the year.”

A $177,200 grant was approved in March, and eight new energy-efficient LED floodlights were installed last week. The lights will be switched on for the first time at a launch evening planned for Monday.

For the Whakatāne community, the new lights will be a game-changer.

“Being able to give students the unforgettable experience of playing under the lights is something the whole school can be proud of,” Mr Stanhope said.

“To have Trust Horizon backing us and believing in us, words aren’t enough.

“We’re so grateful for their generous support.”

Trident Light Up launch

To launch the lights, there will be a year 9 and 10 mixed exhibition football game with girls and boys playing together, and a rugby touch game.

■ 6.50pm: Students arrive at the field
■ 7.25pm to 7.45pm: First half of football and touch games
■ 7.45pm to 8pm: Half-time for both games and floodlight switch-on by Trust Horizon
■ 8pm to 8.20pm: Second half for both games (played under the lights)

After the games there will be a sausage sizzle and soft drinks