Funds boost for Stafford Town

Football bosses have given Stafford Town an interest-free loan to help complete its new £1 million stadium.

The amount of the loan from the Staffordshire Football Association is not being disclosed by the club but is said to be substantial.

Chairman Gordon Evans said that a sum of money that the club had hoped to get from the Football Foundation had not materialised.

"The county FA is helping us through short term cash flow problems with a substantial interest-free loan," he added.

The stadium at Riverway is on course for completion at the end of January with the first games expected to be played in the first week of February.

Staffordshire FA, who have worked closely with and supported the club throughout the scheme, agreed to help to ensure the new facility was completed without any additional expense required by the club.

The Football Foundation is the UK's largest sports charity and was launched in 2000 to deliver a £53 million investment programme into grass roots football.

Stafford Town had received other Football Foundation funding and grants, but has found significant amounts of money itself.

Mike Stokes, chairman of the Staffordshire FA development committee, said: "As an FA Charter Standard community club we were keen to support Stafford Town as much as possible.

"The development of this new facility will contribute immensely to the future of the game in Stafford and the County, as the club provide opportunities for men, women, boys and girls including teams in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League for people with disabilities.

"We hope the club keeps up the good work and continues to support and promote the FA's initiatives."

Mr Evans said the club wanted to thank the county FA for its help and support in helping the club to get the project completed. An official opening for the stadium next to Stafford Cricket and Hockey Club is being planned for either March or April.

The stadium will include six changing rooms, a conference room and kitchen. The stand will seat 210.

The project also involves three new mini-pitches belonging to Stafford Borough Council which will be used by junior sides.

l If you are interested in getting involved with Stafford Town and being part of its new era, contact Mr Evans on 01889 882725.