4 Reasons Why PILA's Preferred Supplier Status Benefits You

PILA is proud to be the preferred supplier of goal posts to all national AFL associations including AFL Victoria Country and the FootyMart online shop, plus many football associations including Football NSW (see them all here). We have developed these partnerships because we are passionate about fostering grassroots sport and providing access to quality, safe sporting equipment for juniors and seniors in all locations and from all backgrounds.

Here are just 4 of the many reasons our preferred supplier status is important for you:

1. Pre-Qualified Supplier

When investing in any sporting equipment you need to be certain of the credibility of the manufacturer and their product. With a preferred supplier, your sporting association has already done the hard work for you. PILA's Australian made aluminium goal posts have been endorsed as the best and safest by the very people with the highest authority in this regard. This saves you time investigating and researching.

2. Buying Power

By partnering with PILA, the associations have negotiated discounted rates for their clubs and schools. This means you can have the quality you want at the best possible price.

3. Exclusive Funding

Associations that offer funding or subsidies for goal posts specify PILA as the sole supplier of goal posts in order to qualify for assistance. PILA keeps an up-to-date list of open funding including that available from our partners. This way you can receive financial assistance for your goal post purchase.

4. Peace of Mind

By purchasing your goal posts from your association's preferred supplier you have the peace of mind that your goal posts meet their standards. Where field audits may be held, yours will perform better and you will have an advantage when tendering to host elite competitions like the AFL's NAB Challenge. This confidence means you don't have to do anything more.

PILA has long-standing relationships with many of our preferred supplier partners and we are honoured to be chosen by all of them. We are committed to manufacturing the highest quality and safest goal posts both for our integrity and theirs. Our goal posts also have the endorsement of being used by more than 75% of Australia's major stadiums, so you know for certain that when you purchase PILA's goal posts you're getting the very best.

A Fairytale Ending for Councils Using PILA sport for Their Goal Posts

Once upon a time there was a public servant working for a local council in the great land of Australia. This public servant, known far and wide as the Facilities Manager, was tasked with the formidable responsibility of managing the region's sporting fields - a noble and heroic challenge only given to the mightiest and most valiant of all public servants. For the management of sporting fields was fraught with peril due to the fearsome sporting clubs with terrifying names like the Dragons, Redbacks or Ferrets.

One day the sporting clubs approached the Facilities Manager, complaining of inadequate resources at their sporting fields. The goal posts were old and hazardous, and the little children needed somewhere safe to play. Undaunted by this challenge, the Facilities Manager made a review of the claims and determined that new goal posts were in order. But how to tackle this latest challenge? The Facilities Manager knew it was beyond even his extraordinary abilities, and in his outstanding wisdom and courage he sought help from his mighty friends at PILA sport.

And this is where the plot twist comes in, for instead of a long and arduous saga of overcoming obstacles, the path they journeyed was straight and simple. The Facilities Manager was amazed by the magical powers of PILA sport, who provided a quick quote and customised new goal posts to suit the existing footings, saving time and money for the council and making the Facilities Manager the hero of the day. PILA even managed the project from start to finish, equipping the sporting fields with the safest goal posts backed by the longest warranty.

In true fairytale style, the valour and passion of this team lead by the Facilities Manager resulted in a happy ending for all. To be the hero in your story, contact PILA sport for lots of free expert advice and assistance with your project, and of course the best goal posts at the best price.

How to Tell if it's Time to Replace Your Goal Posts

Even the best quality goal posts have to be replaced eventually, but how can you tell when's the right time? This guide will provide advice to help you determine if it's time:

 Unsafe Goal PostsSometimes it's not so obvious if your goal posts are unsafe, but certain materials are particularly unsafe. If your goal posts are made from substandard materials like timber, PVC or steel, they present a real danger for players as they may not be structurally sound and are prone to decay. Goal posts made from aluminium provide the safest, longest lasting structure.
 ComplianceAll competitive sports have governing bodies that set safety standards, however there are still many goal posts around Australia that do not comply. Compliance is not optional and heavy fines apply for clubs or organisations that don't meet the standards. These standards have helped reduce injury and fatalities, especially in football (soccer) where the most stringent regulations have been put in place for portable goal posts.
 Wear and TearGoal posts undergo a lot of stresses over their lifetime including standing out in the harsh Australian weather extremes and being battered by enthusiastic players. Moving them off-field to be stored out of season will also increase wear and tear. While top quality goal posts can sustain many years of this (PILA offers a 7 year manufacturer's warranty with the option of an extended warranty), there are certain things to look out for:
-       wobbly frame
-       loose joints
-       damaged net hooks (football)
-       chipped paint
PILA offers a free safety audit to assess your goal posts.
 Club GrowthYour posts should progress with your club. When your club started you may have only needed small goal posts, but now the club's grown or the age groups have changed, you will need taller or larger goal posts. Junior goal posts will not suit adults, and if you've moved into state level or televised competition your senior goal posts will no longer suffice.
 ResurfacingIf it's time to upgrade your playing field it may also be time to upgrade your goal posts. Resurfacing is a great opportunity to work on a project like goal post upgrading, whether you're upgrading your footings or not.
 ModernisingAs with all products, goal post manufacturing technology improves and newer versions can offer greater benefits. PILA is constantly improving our processes and products and meeting new standards as they are published. We have always produced the highest quality goal posts and stand by our products as demonstrated by our long warranty.
 Psychological AdvantageWe all love new! New goal posts are shiny and exciting and offer a psychological advantage on the home field, especially when you've upgraded your size. The larger size offers a more tantalising challenge for players - trying to kick over the tall AFL or rugby goal posts, or shooting for the top right corner of the football (soccer) goals.
 And if it is time to replace your goal posts, PILA offers the safest goal posts at the most competitive prices. Our goal posts are standing in most of Australia's major stadiums including the MCG, SCG and ANZ Stadium.