Bradley Johnson (centre) signed autographs at Borrowash Victoria AFC's upgraded stadium last night.
Bradley Johnson, Derby County FC midfielder, was pleased to see Borrowash Victoria AFC officially open their improved stadium yesterday (Wednesday 22 November), thanks to a grant from the Premier League, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) – the largest funders of non-league football in the country.
The funding has enabled Borrowash Victoria AFC, who play in the East Midlands Counties League at Step 6, to replace their boundary fencing, improve their hospitality provision and purchase pitch maintenance equipment. The upgrade project will benefit the club’s fans, as well as its 27 teams.
Prior to the project, the club’s fencing was dilapidated and offered little security, leading to vandalism at the site. Additionally, Borrowash Victoria AFC’s existing hospitality area had become a health and safety concern due to being over 30-years-old and not fit for purpose. Now, the club’s stadium is secure and well-equipped to cater for its loyal supporters.
The club has also been able to purchase state-of-the-art pitch maintenance equipment thanks to the grant. Previously, they had to rent the equipment, which was not cost effective. Now, thanks to the new equipment and Borrowash Victoria AFC’s implementing The FA’s Pitch Improvement Programme, they can provide their players with a much better and more reliable surface.
This will not only benefit the club, but local schools and other grassroots clubs that will use the site. These include: Belper United FC; Chadds FC; The Hungry Horse FC and St Giles School.
The project was made possible by a £31,331 grant from the Premier League, which is delivered through the Football Foundation – the sister organisation of the Football Foundation.
Funded with £6.5m each year from the Premier League, the FSIF – the sister organisation of the Football Foundation – is the country’s largest provider of grants towards projects that help improve the comfort and safety of lower league football grounds in both the professional and amateur game. These improvements range from new football stands and turnstiles to floodlighting and improved provision for disabled supporters.
Frazer Watson, Club Chairman, said: “Borrowash Victoria would like to give thanks to the FSIF and Ian Anderson of Anderson Electrical Trade, a significant funder towards the project, Sharon Watson of Alumo Glamour Lounge who also contributed, and to all the companies who generously contribute sponsorship towards Borrowash Victoria. We would also like to thank Mike Wallis, the local Erewash Councillor, for attending our opening event.”
Peter McCormick OBE, Chairman of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, said: “I am pleased to hear of everything that the Premier League’s funding has enabled Borrowash Victoria AFC to do. It is so important to keep improving stadia at all levels, and this is a perfect example of how money from the top of the game is being used to do this.
“Through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, the Premier League is committed to improving stadia infrastructure and, as a result, improving the experience for players and fans alike. I hope Borrowash Victoria AFC and its fans enjoy their new stadium!”
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
- Frazer Watson at watsonfrz@aol.com or 07726 683 957
- Sophie Huby at sophie.huby@footballfoundation.org.uk or 0345 345 4555 Ext: 4292