Lighting Consultant Football Project

Volunteer Lighting Consultant needed to support London Rangers' community pitches and padal courts in Ealing, helping young people through sport. Design and report on floodlights for planning. Flexible, short-term role with recognition

What difference will you make?

The Volunteer Lighting Consultant will make a vital contribution to the development of our new community 3G football pitch at Evershed Sports Ground in Ealing. This pitch will serve as a safe, inclusive space for young people and adults to take part in positive physical activity, particularly those who have struggled in mainstream education or face social barriers.

By providing a lighting design and technical report for our planning submission, the volunteer will directly help us secure permission to install floodlights, allowing the pitch to be used safely in the evenings and throughout the winter months. Without adequate lighting, community access is limited, reducing the potential for engagement, mentoring, and outreach activities. Their expertise will therefore unlock opportunities for hundreds of local residents to participate in football, education, and health programmes beyond daylight hours.

This role will also help London Rangers FC and London Rangers Youth & Community move closer to our long-term goal of creating a multi-sport, education, and community hub. The lighting plan forms part of a broader site improvement project that includes developing recycled playing surfaces, improved drainage, and inclusive facilities for local schools, job seekers, and youth programmes.

The consultant's report will demonstrate to Ealing Council, funders, and community partners that our charity has a professional, environmentally responsible approach to development. This credibility is crucial for future grant applications and partnerships with organisations such as the Football Foundation, Sport England, and local trusts.

Their input will also have a lasting legacy beyond the technical design. By supporting a community-led build that uses recycled materials and volunteer labour, they will be helping us model how small charities can deliver sustainable, low-cost sports infrastructure with local people at its heart. The lighting system they design will enable evening football sessions, after-school clubs, and mentoring programmes that give young people structure, discipline, and a sense of belonging.

Ultimately, the volunteer's work will have a direct and measurable social impact — enabling more young people to stay active, reducing anti-social behaviour, and fostering community pride. Their contribution of time and expertise will help bring light to a project that empowers others, creating a legacy of opportunity and hope for years to come.

What are we looking for?

For this important community role, we are looking for a Volunteer Lighting Consultant who combines professional knowledge with a genuine desire to make a difference. This is not just a technical role — it's an opportunity to use specialist expertise to help a grassroots organisation transform a local space into a vibrant community hub.

The ideal volunteer will have experience in lighting design, electrical engineering, or architectural planning, with a good understanding of sports or outdoor lighting standards. We are particularly interested in individuals familiar with FA, CIBSE, or Sport England guidance relating to pitch illumination, lux levels, glare control, and energy efficiency. Experience using lighting simulation software such as DIALux, Relux, or AGi32 would be very beneficial, as the role involves preparing a layout plan and a short lighting report for our planning submission.

However, just as important as technical expertise are the personal qualities that make someone a good fit for a community project. We're looking for someone who is collaborative, approachable, and patient, able to explain technical concepts clearly to non-specialists and volunteers. Our team includes trustees, community coaches, and local residents who bring enthusiasm and practical skills but not necessarily engineering experience. The volunteer's ability to guide and empower others in a supportive way will make a huge difference to the success of the project.

A commitment to sustainability is also highly valued. London Rangers is using recycled materials to build its new 3G pitch, and we're keen to explore environmentally friendly lighting solutions such as low-energy LEDs, solar-assisted systems, or smart lighting controls. A volunteer who shares this ethos and can recommend options that balance cost, performance, and environmental impact will fit perfectly with our goals.

We would particularly welcome individuals who have worked on community sports, school, or leisure projects, as they will understand the unique challenges and opportunities these environments present — from safeguarding to public accessibility and local authority planning processes. Retired or semi-retired professionals who want to give back to the community are also very welcome, as are students or early-career engineers seeking to expand their portfolio with a meaningful, real-world project.

Most importantly, we want someone who is motivated by purpose — who sees the value in helping a small charity deliver a lasting benefit to young people in Ealing. The right volunteer will take satisfaction in knowing that their report will directly support our planning approval, enabling safe evening training sessions, mentoring programmes, and football activities that bring the community together.

In summary, we are looking for a technically skilled, community-minded individual who combines professional integrity with empathy, communication skills, and a heart for social impact. Your expertise will not only light a pitch — it will help light the way for the next generation of young people finding hope and direction through sport.

What will you be doing?

Your main responsibilities will include

Site Assessment – Reviewing the pitch layout, surrounding environment, and proposed use to determine the most suitable lighting arrangement. This may involve a site visit to the Evershed Sports Ground (Ealing W7) or a remote review using plans and photos provided by the project team.

Lighting Design and Planning – Producing a layout for floodlight positions, heights, and light fittings that meet the required FA, CIBSE, and Sport England standards for community pitches. You will ensure even light distribution, player visibility, and safety while also minimising light spill and glare to neighbouring areas.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability – Advising on the most effective and environmentally responsible solutions. This could include LED floodlights, solar-assisted systems, or smart lighting controls that help reduce running costs and carbon footprint.

Report Preparation for Planning Submission – Creating a concise lighting impact assessment report or design statement suitable for submission to Ealing Council's planning department. This report will outline the proposed lighting scheme, technical specifications, expected lux levels, and confirmation of compliance with relevant standards.

Collaboration and Advice – Working alongside our project manager, volunteers, and trustees to ensure the lighting design aligns with the overall community development plan. You may also be asked to review supplier quotes or provide input into technical tender documents.

This is a short-term volunteer position ideal for a lighting professional, engineer, or designer with experience in outdoor or sports facility lighting. You may be a retired consultant, a professional looking to give back to the community, or a student in lighting design or electrical engineering seeking valuable real-world experience.

Your contribution will directly help London Rangers create a safe, well-lit environment where local young people and adults can participate in evening training sessions, youth development programmes, and community football events. You will be credited in all project materials and planning documents, and we can provide a reference or endorsement letter for your professional portfolio.

The time commitment is flexible — most of the work can be completed remotely, with optional site visits. Our team will provide all necessary information, site drawings, and support throughout the process.