North Village Rams are the guiding lights for clubs receiving funds from the Government after undergoing major and minor upgrades to their Bernard's Park facility in time for the start of the season.

The Government set aside one million dollars for local football clubs to upgrade their facilities in 2007.

In total, eight clubs saw fit to improve their facilities, both on and off the field.

Clubs ranging from Premier and First Division leagues received funding.

On hand to view the improvements were Sports Minister El James and North Village president Shervin Dill, along with vice-president Kevin Grant and treasurer Alan Young.

"We are extremely proud to get this to where it is today," said Dill.

"The bulk of the money was used for the upgrade of the facility, and as you can see it has been money well spent.

"The last phase was to update our old sprinkler system and bring a new one that would enable us to better our field.

"There are five heads on each sideline of the pitch and six in the centre running down the field.

"It will be a completely automated system and this will give us the opportunity to keep the pitch looking good.

"Our field marshal Keith Jennings has been instrumental in getting this phase up and running to where it is now.

"We have also bought a new cutting machine which will enable us to cut the field at least five times a week.

"I believe it is one of the best surfaces in the country, comparable with the NSC.

"We have also done a few upgrades to our lighting system and the changing rooms along with finishing the perimeter fencing around the field.

"This swallowed up the rest of the funds, and I can say that we used every cent that Government gave us and are greatly appreciative for their assistance.

He added: "We are still short in that we have both long and short-term goals for this facility; such as completely renovating the bathrooms we have in the corner.

"And certainly we are trying to make the changing rooms a bit better.

"We are waiting on East End Asphalt to come do our drive in entrance, and looking for additional bleachers.

"Long term, we are looking to do a clubhouse, which would be on top of our current structure and go back towards the tennis stadium.

"The second plan, we would need to talk to Government about a solution.

"I will talk to the Minister before coming forth with that announcement.

"But, in a nutshell it has been flawless – the relationship between us and the Government.

"We need tools for development and this is a step in the right direction."