towards projects that help improve
the comfort and safety of lower
league football grounds in both the
professional and amateur game.
These improvements range from
new football stands and turnstiles to
floodlighting and improved provision
for disabled supporters.
Nadhim Zahawi, MP for Stratfordon-Avon, said: “I was delighted to
officially open Stratford Town FC’s
new stand. The facility will provide a
safe environment for supporters and
players to enjoy the game. Improvements to the toilet facilities and
terrace adds to this impressive site,
which without the investment from
the Premier League through the FSIF,
would not have been possible.
“The charity match with Touch FM
was great fun, and what a brilliant
way to commemorate the opening
of a fantastic facility. I would like to
thank everyone involved with making the development a reality, and
I look forward to seeing Stratford
Town FC’s continuous improvement
in the years to come.”
Melanie Tweddle, Chairman of Stratford Town FC, said: “I would like
to thank everyone for their support
in developing the facilities at the
DCS Stadium. The funding from the
Premier League through the FSIF
has made the new stand a reality, and
we look forward to the next season
where our focus is to continue doing
well in the Southern Premier Division.”
Peter McCormick OBE, Chairman
of the Football Stadia Improvement
Fund, said: “Stratford Town FC are
a great grassroots club, and I am
thrilled to see the new stand officially
open. The covered seating, terrace
and toilet facilities will provide a safe
and comfortable base for players,
supporters and all of the club’s members. The improvements made to the
DCS Stadium mean the club also
meet the relevant ground grading
criteria, which allows them to continue playing at their current level.
The Premier League is dedicated to
improving stadia facilities like the
stand at Stratford Town FC – without
their investment these developments
would not be possible. I would like
to wish the club all the best for the
coming years.”
Touch FM presenters, Ollie Gallant (in blue) and Simon Alexander (in orange) with match officials ahead of the game. Simon's
team won 4-2 on penalties.
GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL
www.grf-football.co.uk
22