Exciting future ahead for Horsham YM as they complete deal to buy Gorings Mead
Horsham YM have announced the successful purchase of their Gorings Mead ground from the YMCA DownsLink Group.
The agreement marks a landmark moment for both the club and the area, securing the site’s future as a dedicated community leisure hub while providing vital funding for youth services.
YM’s Gorings Mead home has been a cornerstone of local sport and community activity since 1929, and, by taking full ownership, the club gain the autonomy to develop the facilities and expand their long-standing role in providing sporting opportunities for the Horsham district.
For YMCA DownsLink Group, the sale marks a strategic move to focus on its core mission. The proceeds from the transaction will be directly reinvested into life-changing services for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey.
Steve Ratcliff, chairman of Horsham YM Football Club, commented: “We thank everyone involved in this process for their dedication and professionalism.
"Securing the long-term future of Gorings Mead ensures it remains a vital sporting and leisure asset for the community. We wish YMCA DownsLink Group every success as they continue their important work.”
Bobby Dhol, director of finance at YMCA Downslink Group, said: “We are thrilled to have worked with the football club’s committee to conclude this sale.
"We wish the club all the very best for the future as they continue their long legacy of providing community football from Gorings Mead. We are pleased that proceeds from this sale will help us to further our charitable mission.”
Speaking exclusively to the County Times about another huge milestone for the club, Ratcliff added: “Now that we own the ground our priority is to get the funding together for the all-weather pitch for which we’ve already received planning permission.
"Getting the finance in place and the installation completed will take time to arrange, but if all goes well we hope to have the new facility up and running for the season after next.”
On the pitch, YM’s season ended with a play-off semi-final defeat in Guernsey, the Channel Islanders winning 3-0 to set up a final at home to Peacehaven and Telscombe next weekend.