Youngsters will have a ball thanks to Bognor Rocks and revamped Nyewood Lane
Football-mad youngsters have the chance to ‘play, develop and belong’ thanks to the new facilities at Bognor Regis Town's revamped Nyewood Lane ground.
That's according to Cllr Mrs Gill Yeates, the town mayor, who was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially open the upgraded venue before the Rocks beat Southall 1-0 in the Isthmian South Central division on Saturday.
The unveiling of the £1.4million project -- which was funded by the Premier League, The FA and Government via the Football Foundation as well as substantial contributions from Bognor Regis Town Council and the club’s committee members -- is, says the mayor, an "important day for the club and for Bognor Regis".
She added: "It is a pleasure to be here to open this new 3G pitch. Facilities like this give young people a place to play, develop and belong. They allow sport to continue throughout the year and create opportunities for boys and girls across our community.
"This project reflects hard work and commitment. I would like to thank the volunteers, partners and funders who made it happen. Your dedication to the town and to grassroots sport is clear.
"This pitch will support health, teamwork and ambition. It will serve schools, community groups and teams for many years to come. I am proud to see investment like this in our town."
Committee member Russ Chamdler, the driving force behind the refurbishment – which included new changing rooms and new floodlights – said the development marked the next stage for the club and its place in the town.
He added: “For years we have lost training and matches to the weather. Our Teams players have had disrupted weeks limiting time coaches have with them. Now every team has a reliable surface all year round.
"This huge upgrade in our facilities strengthens the route from youth football into senior football. It supports the growth of women and girls’ teams. Schools, community groups and charities are already using the ground through the week.
"Good facilities shape habits, build communities and shape culture. When you combine all of these together well, they shape performance.
"I want to thank SiS (Support in Sport, main pitch contractor) and in particular Matt Streeter, whose flexibility was essential in creating a superb pitch for the town.
"The Premier League, The FA, Sport England and the Government who, through the Football Foundation have backed this project and continue to invest in clubs like ours.
"I’d also like to thank Arun District Council and Bognor Regis Town Council, as well as my fellow committee members for trusting me to deliver the project on their behalf. Lastly, I’d like to say a big thank you to the volunteers and you, our local community who supported the vision and ultimately got it over the line. We have opened a fantastic new pitch. Together we must now build from it."