New pavilion rounds out upgrades

For the first time in Lalor United Sloga Football Club’s rich 45-year history it has a dedicated social space to complement its on-field activities.

The redevelopment of the pavilion at HR Uren Recreation Reserve in Thomastown, which will be used by both the host club and wider community, was completed in July.

The pavilion includes a social space, kitchen, office, internal and external storage and amenities, as well as a spectator viewing area. The upgrade also included an extension to the car park, which means people attending training or match days will no longer have to park in the surrounding streets.

Rounding out the suite of improvements was the installation of a new ball catching fence to protect the pavilion, new concrete paths and landscaping. This stage of the redevelopment follows construction of a new FIFA-approved synthetic soccer pitch, paths and fencing around the pitch and bench seating between pitches in 2022.

Lalor United Sloga Football Club Liaison Officer Emil Atanasov said there were a lot of happy people now the pavilion was finished.

“Previously our social space was in the changerooms but now we’ve got a purpose-built facility where people can sit, have a meal and stay warm,” he said. “We have everything we need now so we’re very happy. We’ll only get better as a club from here.”