‘No 3G pitch was a risk’ – Bognor Regis Town’s admission as VIPs get Nye Camp invite
The Rocks will officially open the refurbished Nyewood Lane, complete with 3G pitch and upgraded changing rooms and floodlights, on Saturday. And they do so admitting that had they not gone ahead with the project, they risked financial instability.
The club have invited dignitaries such as members of Arun District Council, Bognor Regis town mayor Gill Yeates and town crier Jane Smith to the revamped ground to take part in a ceremony – before theit match with Southall – to mark the completion of the £1.4m project that has transformed the venue.
They moved back to their spiritual home at the end of December after playing home games at Chichester City's Oaklands Park ground during the first part of campaign because of the work undertaken.
The move from grass to a synthetic surface came about to help increase revenue at the club by avoiding postponed matches due to the weather and to be able to hire out the facilities AND allow the club's many youth teams to use the pitch.
Russ Chandler, who along with Jack Pearce and Simon Cook and a whole host of other supporters and committee members helped make it all happen, says he has been thrilled with the reception the refurbished ground has received.
He says the new-look Nye Camp -- primarily funded by the Football Foundation, the Premier League as well as substantial contributions from the club's committee members, is a credit to all who worked hard to complete the project and stands as a testament to putting something back in to the community.
He said: "It’s thrilling and we couldn’t be more pleased with how everything; that’s not to say that there weren’t lots of challenges along the way.
"We will host a cut-the-ribbon ceremony to officially open the 3G facility for the community and this will take place at 2.45pm just before the match kicks-off. We very much look forward to welcoming our guests and hope supporters can join in the ceremony to mark the grand opening.
"Not only do we benefit from the first team playing matches on the pitch but it also allows our 400-plus youth players to do so as well. It's a pitch for those who want to come and watch football -- but also for those who want to come and play.
"Without the 3G pitch, we risked financial instability, reduced participation, and the decline of our facilities. With it, we hope to secure a sustainable, inclusive, and progressive future."