REDLANDS Rugby League Club are hoping a major redevelopment project will set them on the path to Brisbane's top flight competition.
President Todd Flahey said the club had received a state government grant worth $598,000 that would help bring their facilities in line with the best clubs in south-east Queensland.
Job seekers will also benefit from the project, with 16 Skilling Queenslanders for Work recruits to earn a Certificate 1 in Construction over 36 weeks for their part in the renovations.
Mr Flahey said the club's facilities looked tired and were in dire need of a face-lift.
"Finally we are going to have a clubhouse that matches what we do on the field," he said.
"Our footy was at a high level this season but our clubhouse was not.
"This project is massive for us. We have got our women progressing up to division two next season and our men's side is really stepping up.
"We are starting to get some really quality footballers in our older age groups because our juniors are coming through the ranks.
"We are doing all the right things to keep them at the club and making sure we look after them."
Mr Flahey said the money that would have gone in to the decrepit change rooms and century-old clubhouse could now be spent on junior development.
"We have got ambitions of progressing to premier grade in the next three years or so but we could not do that if we had to invest all the money ourselves," he said.
"All the money that we had to spend on maintenance now goes to our kids so we can develop them, skill them up and take them away on trips."
Redlands will celebrate their 50th anniversary next season and have prepared a special heritage inspired jersey to mark the occasion.
"Everyone has got this vibe about how good next year is going to be," he said.
"They are all hungry to play for something and win in our 50th year. That's not just the seniors, it's through all our grades.
"We are going to show a lot of pride, passion and history and promote that all year."
Painting on the clubhouse's interior walls and other major renovation work will commence after the club's junior presentation night on Saturday, October 19.
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