The Ainslie Football Club will officially unveil a newly resurfaced Alan Ray Oval this weekend, marking the end of a long-awaited upgrade aimed at restoring one of the ACT’s busiest community football venues.
After more than two decades since its last full reconstruction, the oval had begun to show clear signs of wear despite ongoing maintenance. Issues with drainage, excessive thatch build-up and declining turf quality had gradually impacted playing conditions, prompting the club to act.
President Mick Cawley said the project was critical to ensuring the club could continue to support its growing football programs.
“We have had the current surface for over 20 years and while best practice has been employed by the club in its maintenance, the surface became a bit tired,” Cawley said. “To that end, the club appreciates the support and work undertaken by the Board of the Ainslie Group and the AFL. Their contribution demonstrates how both organisations are investing in the ACT community through Australian Football.”
The need for redevelopment is underscored by the oval’s heavy usage. In 2025 alone, Alan Ray Oval hosted 80 matches and more than 230 training sessions. For 2026, that figure has been reduced to 57 matches and 170 training sessions, a deliberate cut of more than 25 per cent designed to protect the new surface and ensure long-term sustainability.
Ainslie remains the only club in the competition servicing eight senior teams from a single ground, placing unique pressure on its facilities. The upgrade is expected to significantly improve conditions for both training and match play, particularly for the club’s First Grade men’s and women’s programs, which have been a key focus in recent years.
Cawley highlighted the immediate impact of the resurfacing, with players already benefiting from the improved conditions.
“AFL research has shown that for every dollar invested in a community football club, at least $4.40 is returned in social value,” he said. “Our senior women and men have commenced training and all of them are finding the oval surface to be excellent for football.”
The redevelopment also reflects Ainslie’s strong relationship with the AFL and its reputation for delivering community-focused projects. Following previous investments in lighting and facility upgrades as recently as 2023, the AFL have again backed in the Club with a $200k contribution towards the project.
With training now underway, attention turns to the oval’s official reopening across April 10-11, where the club will welcome supporters and rival teams alike.
Cawley said the event would mark not just the return of football to Alan Ray Oval, but a renewed standard for the club moving forward.
“We are looking forward to our oval’s official re-opening on 11 April and hosting our fellow competition clubs over the 2026 season,” he said.
What’s changed? The Alan Ray Oval of the past was an old rye based surface – after a full renovation and resurface the Club now boast a lush Santa Ana couch surface, a strong base which will withstand the harsh Canberra Winter. Further, the ground has been over-sewn with rye grass which will ensure the oval maintains that beautiful green colour all year round.
With thanks to Tarcoola Turf, Greenspace 4D and Green By Nature, who have managed the resurfacing project over the past 6-months – loving the ground just as much as Ainslie.
Gram Whitton
Ainslie Football Club