The 2022-23 campaign was the best ever in the club’s fledgling semi professional existence, with promotion secured to step 4 of the non league pyramid for the first time in our history.
However, off the pitch the club has also made great strides at the Vestacare Stadium, with three major improvements to our facilities now complete. After our Media gantry was destroyed by storms early last year, we made a successful application to the Storm Relief Fund, and a much improved facility was duly installed as 2022 drew to a close.
We have also been able to upgrade our PA system after receiving financial support from the Premier League Stadium Fund, who were equally generous in providing half of the cost for the biggest project of the three, a complete refit of the seats in the main stand.
Charlie O’Brien, Director of Operations, had this to say about the off field developments of the last six months:
‘The strength of our football club is unique, and one that I am proud to be part of. Following our successful applications to the Storm Relief Fund and Premier League Stadium Fund, I believe that we have now been able to make significant progress in our provision at the Vestacare Stadium, and in doing so have enhanced its sustainability for the club, spectators, and the local community.’
‘Our seats were especially in need of an upgrade, and I am delighted that we are now able to offer a much more comfortable match day experience for our supporters.’
Liam Bambridge, Head of Media and Communications, was also heavily involved in the grant application process, and was thus equally delighted with the improvements which have been possible:
‘We now have a gantry which allows us to produce ever improving quality with regard to our media output, as well as a PA system which is a huge step forward in terms of the clarity of our announcements. We have also been able to add an emergency evacuation button as part of this upgrade. We are incredibly grateful to both funds for making this possible.’
Many thanks also to Stadium Solutions, Mason Sounds and Arena Stadia Seating for carrying out the work to such a high specification.
