Newly-promoted Welton Rovers FC marked the official opening of their new grandstand ahead of the club's friendly match win against Bristol City Under-21's recently (Sunday, 3rd May). The project, which included a wide range of ground improvements, was made possible thanks to a £50,094 grant from the Premier League, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF).
Funding from the Premier League, through the FSIF, has enabled Welton Rovers FC, who secured promotion to the Toolstation Western League Premier Division, to demolish their previous stand, which dated back to the 1920s and install one 100-capacity, all-seater stand and one 100-capacity, standing terrace, including facilities for disabled spectators. The funding also enabled the club to purchase new dugouts and make improvements to security fencing at their West Clewes home.
The works were necessary in order for the club to meet the requirements for its newly-gained Step Five status and all immediate levels above the FA National Ground Grading Criteria. The improvements, by improving fans' safety and comfort, will also help ensure that Rovers can remain financially sustainable over the coming years.
Funded with £5.2m each year from the Premier League, the FSIF 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.
Malcolm Price, Vice-Chairman, Welton Rovers FC, said: "The Directors would like to thank everyone involved, including the club members, supporters ('The Green Army') and our sponsors in helping to bring the new grandstand project to its conclusion. A special thank you must also go to the Premier League, for without their funding, through the FSIF, we would not have been able to replace the old wooden stand."
Peter McCormick OBE, Chairman of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, said: "I am delighted that the Premier League, through the FSIF, has been able to offer financial assistance to Welton Rovers FC, in order for them to carry out vital upgrades to their home ground."
The event was also Welton's second charity day for Dorothy House, which raised £700. This year, over forty players made up the two Welton veterans teams which fought for the Paul Ingram Trophy, with a particular highlight from the match being the return to the club of former manager and player, Steve Coles, who, aged 66, reminded the West Clewes faithful of his tricks and skills of yesteryear.
The town's Mayor, Paul Myers, and Councillor, Steve Plumley, opened the club's new grandstand and terracing and unveiled a plaque with the names of all those supporters who had sponsored a seat. Club volunteer, Stu Rogers, then thanked the many people who had got behind the club in its desire to build the new stand and reminded the 300-strong crowd about the important role that the Council had played in bringing West Clewes back up to standard with work undertaken on the car park, the new amenities block and its support of the grandstand project.
Later in the day, a Welton Rovers Chairman's XI, incorporating players from all of the Welton teams, took on Brian Tinnion's Bristol City Academy squad in what turned out to be a tight affair, despite a number of sore Welton heads following the promotion celebrations the night before. A Joe Garland header ten minutes from time meant that Welton won the game, but football was the winner as the club celebrated a fine season, on and off the pitch. The club also welcomed Henry Ford and his family to the club as Henry and his brother, Will, were mascots and guests of First Team Manager, Nick Beaverstock, for the day.