Linby Colliery Welfare Football Club Floodlighting Installation Case Study
Project Overview:
Established in 1892, Linby Colliery Welfare Football Club is one of Nottinghamshire’s oldest grassroots football clubs. With a proud heritage and strong community ties, the club recently embarked on a major upgrade to its pitch facilities with the installation of new LED floodlights and masts, delivered in partnership with Abacus Lighting.
Originally proposed as a full turnkey lighting solution, the project was revised due to client funding constraints. While Abacus Lighting retained responsibility for the lighting system design, supply, and installation, the civils element was managed directly by the client and executed by contractor QTS, with Abacus offering technical guidance throughout.
Linby Colliery Welfare FC Case Study Video!
Abacus’s Scheduling Collaboration:
While a typical Abacus-led turnkey installation of this size would typically be completed over 12 working days within a 3-week window (to allow for concrete curing), this project was extended to 6 weeks. This was due to QTS working free of charge (FOC) for the club and scheduling works around their other commitments—a generous contribution that helped make the project financially viable for the club.
Abacus required just 6 days on site to:
Erect the six HL250 masts, head-frames, install all LED floodlights, complete commissioning and handover.
Project Installation:
QTS, under client instruction and with Abacus technical support, managed all civil works including:
• Excavation and formation of six concrete mast bases
• Trenching for ducting
• Installation of Abacus-supplied armoured cables and mast holding down bolts
• Pulling cables through ducts and positioning bolts within concrete prior to curing
Abacus Lighting:
• Installation of 6 x HL250 masts and head-frames
• Fitting of 14 x Challenger 1 LED luminaires
• One control cabinet fitted
Abacus Lighting’s Key Installation Overview:
Each mast fitted with 2 x 1500W Challenger 1 LEDs for the main pitch. The two far-end masts included an additional 1000W Challenger 1 fitting each to illuminate the warm-up/training areas.
A new control cabinet was also supplied and installed by Abacus, with two independent switches for the pitch lights and the training area, with all final electrical connections, testing, and commissioning completed by the Abacus lighting team.
Linby Colliery Welfare Football Club Floodlighting Installation Case Study
Benefits for the Club:
The new floodlighting system represents a transformational upgrade for Linby Colliery Welfare FC, both on and off the pitch:
Promotion-Ready: With compliant lighting in place, the club can now meet the ground grading requirements for promotion into the National League System (Step 6), unlocking new opportunities for progression.
Fixture Flexibility: Evening kick-off’s and midweek games can now be accommodated with ease, helping the club manage its calendar more efficiently.
Training Access: The newly lit training area can now be used throughout the winter months, eliminating the need for expensive offsite hire—saving the club thousands of pounds annually.
Increased Revenue: With players and staff training on-site more regularly, the clubhouse will see increased use, helping to generate additional income for the club.
Long-Term Investment: Energy efficient LED technology and robust infrastructure ensure low ongoing maintenance costs and a future-proofed solution for years to come.
Why Linby FC Chose Abacus Lighting:
From initial conversations to project completion, Abacus Lighting stood out among competitors for their:
• Professionalism and Organisation
• Competitive Pricing
• Outstanding Project Management – especially the support and coordination provided by Abacus’s Project Manager Kelly, who worked closely with both the club and QTS throughout the build.
“Of all the companies we dealt with, we found Abacus more professional, organised and easier to work with. Their support throughout the project has been excellent.”
Linby Colliery Welfare Football Club Floodlighting Installation Case Study
Products Installed
By Abacus
Lighting:
• 6 x HL250 Raise & Lower Masts
• 12 x Challenger 1 (1500W) LED floodlights
• 2 x Challenger 1 (1000W) LED floodlights (for training area)
• 1 x Control Cabinet with independent switches for the pitch and training area lights, with Abacus-installed electrical infrastructure
Abacus’s Scheduling Collaboration:
A Word of Thanks: On behalf of everyone at Linby Colliery Welfare Football Club, We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this project a reality.
To QTS, AJS Embroidery, CISWO, the Central Midlands Alliance League (CMAL), the Premier League Stadium Fund (PLSF), and Abacus Lighting – your support, generosity, and expertise have been instrumental. Without your hard work and contributions, this project simply would not have been possible.
Abacus Lighting’s Challenger 1 LED Floodlight:
Visit the Challenger 1 website page to see how advanced optical control, exceptional energy efficiency, and robust build quality come together to deliver outstanding illumination in any environment. Whether upgrading an existing installation or designing a brand-new scheme, Challenger 1 gives you the confidence to achieve world-class lighting every time.
Adrian Ward, Chairman, Linby Colliery Welfare FC
Specifications & Key Features:
Challenger 1 LED AL6100 - AL6300 Series
Housing:
Die-cast/profiled aluminium and steel are used to produce an elegant and unobtrusive low profile design.
Certifications:
UKCA, CE, CB, SAA
Finish:
Powder coated Black/Red
Driver:
• 400 to 1500W 3ch. DALI2/DMX driver
• Integral or remote operation
• IP66 rated
Warranty & Lifetime:
5 years standard warranty
60,000 hours L80B10 25°C
Wind Area (0° elevation):
6 module: 0.149m2
4 module: 0.130m2
2 module: 0.107m2
Product Applications:
• Sports Grounds
• Rail Depots • Sea Ports • Amenity • Distribution Centres • Airports
Challenger 1 Product Overview:
The Challenger 1 LED by Abacus Lighting is a cutting-edge floodlight that combines exceptional performance with a sleek, modern design and low cost of ownership. Featuring a flat glass, double asymmetric design, it provides precise and efficient illumination while minimising light spill. Available in 2, 4, and 6 module variants ranging from 400W to 1500W, the Challenger 1 LED is a versatile solution suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether used for sports facilities, industrial sites, large open spaces, or area lighting, it delivers powerful and reliable illumination tailored to specific project needs.
Built for durability, the Challenger 1 LED is IP66 rated, ensuring protection against dust and water ingress, making it a robust choice for even the harshest environments. With Abacus-designed medium and narrow beam optics, it provides excellent coverage and efficiency, enhancing visibility and safety.
The floodlight offers integral or remote driver options, allowing for flexible installation. Finished in a durable powder coating, it not only performs exceptionally but also maintains a professional modern aesthetic. Whether lighting up sports venues, industrial complexes or large public spaces, the Challenger 1 LED sets the standard for high-performance floodlighting.
