No seven-year itch: Ringmer AFC find a happy home

Ringmer AFC Ladies are one of the teams to benefit from the project

The dream was to provide the community with a facility that provided a new all-weather pitch, clubhouse, changing rooms and facilities t0 support all levels of football.

They approached Ben Ellis from Bedford Park Developments, who has huge experience planning new developments including previous work with sports clubs.

Ellis has worked tirelessly on behalf of the club to make the move happen – and it has secured the long-term future of football in Ringmer.

Gary Holder, trustee of Ringmer FC said: “ We are extremely thankful to Ben and Bedford Park Developments for all the hard work to ensure our move could be delivered. Without Ben’s knowledge of planning and his tenacity this move would never have happened.

“The facilities will mean that over 800 children from both primary and seconday schools and 200 children from the junior football club can use the pitch each week,no matter the weather.

“The facilities have resulted in a merger of Ringmer FC and AFC Ringmer to one club for all, Ringmer AFC. The new club has five senior men’s teams and a newly formed ladies’ team.”

Ellis said “ It was a pleasure to work with Ringmer Football Club to help them with their ambition to move to new facilities.

“It has been a long road but all parties are thrilled with the new facilities and the club has a new beginning – I wish to thank the trustees for all their hard work and effort over the years and I am so pleased for all at Ringmer AFC.”

The club has had a brilliant turnout at training sessions and continues to welcome many new faces now the ground has opened.

Ringmer AFC head of sponsorship Gavin May said: “Ben instructed S W Slatters, the top company in delivering first-class sports facilities, to build the new 3G pitch and sports slub including state-of-the-art clubhouse, with large bar, two kitchens and four large changing rooms.

“We have secured a five year kit sponsorship deal with Riverdale Developments Limited and we thank them for their extremely generous support”.