sports lighting
Soccer pitch floodlighting for Irish clubs
Longer evenings on the pitch, lower electricity bills, and a surface your teams can train on right through the winter. That is what good soccer pitch lighting gives a club, and it is what we handle from the first sketch to the final switch-on.
WHAT WE DO
At SBE, we design and install LED floodlighting for soccer clubs across Ireland, from a single training pitch at your local grounds to a full FAI match-standard playing surface.
We know most clubs are run by volunteers who already have plenty on their plate, so we take care of the technical side and keep you clear on what happens at every step.
Why soccer clubs are switching to LED floodlighting
The move to LED is about far more than brighter lights. For most clubs, it changes how much they can get out of their pitch and how much it costs them to run.
Here is what a well-designed LED floodlighting system does for your club:
More hours on the pitch.
Train and play into the evening all year round, so your teams are not fighting over daylight in the winter months.
Lower running costs.
LED floodlights typically cut lighting electricity use by up to 50% compared with older metal halide lamps, which is money that stays in the club.
A safer surface.
Even, glare-free light across the whole pitch means players can see the ball clearly and referees can make the right call, with no dark patches in the corners.
Fewer callouts.
Quality LED fittings can last 20 years or more, so you are not paying for a cherry picker and replacement lamps every couple of seasons.
A better matchday.
Bright, professional lighting lifts the whole ground and makes your club a place people want to come to on a cold Tuesday night.
What the FAI lighting standards mean for your Club
Soccer pitch lighting is measured in lux, which is simply a measure of how much light lands on the grass. The higher the level you play at, the more light your pitch needs.
As a rough guide, training usually calls for around 200 lux, club competition sits higher again, and the top match grades can require up to 500 lux across the full playing surface. The exact figure your club needs depends on the level you play at and whether you are aiming for a specific FAI grade.
You do not need to work any of this out yourself. We carry out a full lighting design for your pitch and confirm the exact lux level and uniformity your system will deliver, so you know it meets the standard for your league before a single pole goes in the ground. If your ambition is promotion, we design with the next grade up in mind so you are not paying to upgrade again in two years.
Cutting your electricity bills with LED
Electricity is one of the biggest running costs any club carries, and floodlights are a large part of that. Older metal halide systems burn through power and lose brightness as the lamps age, so you end up paying more for less light.
A modern LED system changes the numbers. You get up to 50% lower lighting energy use, instant full brightness with no warm-up, and the ability to light only the pitches you are using on any given night. Over a 20-year lifespan, those savings add up to a serious amount that your club can put back into players, coaching, and facilities.
Grant support for your lighting project
Most clubs fund floodlighting through the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP), now running as the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF). It is the main source of Government funding for sports facilities in Ireland, and lighting upgrades are exactly the kind of project it supports.
Grants can cover a significant share of the cost, with local project funding available up to €200,000 and strong emphasis in recent rounds on energy efficiency and sustainability, which plays right into an LED upgrade. We have supported clubs through the funding process before, and we will help you put your lighting application together so it stands the best chance when the next round opens.
If you are not sure where your club stands or when to apply, talk to us early and we will point you in the right direction.
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How much does soccer pitch floodlighting cost?
It depends on the size of your pitch, the lux level you need, and whether you are installing from scratch or upgrading existing poles. We give you a clear, itemised quote after the free lighting design, with no surprises later.
How much lux does a soccer pitch need?
Training is usually lit to around 200 lux, with higher levels for competition and up to 500 lux for top match grades. We confirm the exact figure for your club as part of the design.
Can we get a grant for the lighting?
Yes. Most clubs fund lighting through the Sports Capital grant, now the Community Sport Facilities Fund. We help you prepare the lighting side of the application.
Do we need planning permission?
New floodlighting usually needs planning permission. We prepare the application and the light-spill drawings and manage the process with your local authority.
How long do LED floodlights last?
Quality LED fittings typically last 20 years or more, which means far fewer maintenance callouts than older lamp systems.
get started
Ready to Light Up Your Pitch?
Whether you are planning ahead for the next grant round or ready to start now, the first step is a free lighting design for your grounds. There is no cost and no pressure, just a clear picture of what your club can achieve.
See more
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