Deal Town Football Club Secures £109,000 Funding for Stadium Improvements

The club is delighted to announce the successful approval of a £109,000 funding application to support vital stadium improvements, alongside the required planning permission, including the construction of a new changing facility and upgraded perimeter fencing. This funding represents a significant investment in the future of the club and the local community, enhancing facilities for players, coaching staff and match officials.

In-line with the current Stadium Accreditation Programme [formerly Ground Grading], for clubs that play in the National League System (NLS), the club were in requirement to upgrade a variety of elements at the Charles Ground, to conform with operating at Step 4. The Premier League Stadium Improvement Fund provides grants of up to £150,000 to help England Accredited clubs work towards meeting the Accreditation Programme. This Fund aims to bring local communities together by supporting eligible clubs to become more sustainable entities, both on and off the pitch

The funding, awarded through The Premier League Stadium Fund, will be instrumental in the development of a modern and fully equipped changing facility. This much-needed upgrade will provide new and improved amenities in the form of a state-of-the-art changing area for Deal Town teams ensuring a comfortable and professional environment. Not to lose a part of our heritage, it was important to the club that the iconic and existing changing room build formed part of the modern plans; an internal reconstruction of the existing layout forms part of a refurbishment too.

Chair Natalie Benville expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating:

We are thrilled to have secured this funding, which marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve our facilities. The new changing rooms will benefit our teams at all levels, while the upgraded fencing will provide a safer and more welcoming environment for our fans.

 

 

A significant amount of voluntary, administrative work has been conducted already, to get to this point, and I would like to extend our gratitude to the Premier League, Dover District Council and Toby Smith [Smith Group], for their support in making this project a reality. Finally, it would be remiss of us not to acknowledge DB Works [DB Works Website] who will be the allocated contractor to deliver this project.

With the project imminently due to commence, a special mention to Hoops supporter Peter Jones is also noteworthy. Mr Jones has gifted the club a considerable donation, which has ultimately supported the club in attaining the 30% contribution required to apply for the funding. On hearing the successful outcome, Mr Jones was thrilled with the news:

My donation is exclusively to upgrade facilities at the Ground. It stems from a desire to see the youth of the area enjoying an environment as conducive as possible to their footballing development. And this includes good quality changing facilities and efficient, cost-effective floodlighting.

 

 

Having played football locally for many years, and coached youngsters when teaching at schools in Reading, Whitfield and Mongeham, I wish to see the money donated providing future generations with sound sustainable facilities. Not forgetting, of course, a stage fit for the mighty Hoops.

This investment underscores the club’s commitment to growth and development, ensuring the club remains a cornerstone of the local sporting community. The stadium improvements align with the club’s long-term vision of fostering community engagement, supporting grassroots football, and enhancing the matchday experience. Completion of the project is expected by the end of the 2024/2025 season.

Further updates on the project’s progress will be shared over the coming months. For further information, please contact Natalie Benville (Chair) via Chair@DealTownFC.co.uk