The Installation of a 3G surface
This is the ‘big project’ which we believe will transform the club and provide it with a strong foundation for the future. Two of the biggest challenges with this project have been the planning and a new lease for the ground. The Committee have been working with our planning partners XL Planning and Glenn Crocker to complete this task and it’s safe to say it’s been a significant challenge. With the ground being on a floodplain a number of additional works has had to be undertaken to get us to a point where planning is ready to be applied for.
“XL Planning Ltd are extremely privileged to be involved with the exciting project of the construction of a new 3G pitch and changing facilities at Tiverton Town Football Club. As a local company, we are very proud to have been invited to be a small part of the club’s journey and look forward to working with everyone to achieve the deliverance of the development".
"Progress to date has been fast with the undertaking all of the survey works (including sketch design and drone work) required for the subsequent planning application, so that we can provide 21st century facilities for one of Devons` premier non-league football clubs. This work is continuing to gather pace, and fundamentally the development will enable the club to reach further into its local community and secure its own future through youth player development of all abilities.“
The lease on the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium has just over nine years left to run. For us to be able to secure grant money towards the pitch and other infrastructure investments we need at least ten years, so over the last 18 months the club have been working to extend this. This has been a very tough objective to achieve due to the nature of the trust which owns the land, but with the help of John Smith we have agreed a new 30 year lease which will secure the future of the club for generations to come. This will be signed in April of this year.
We are nearly there, but unfortunately we will not have this done in time for the installation of the pitch this summer. We continue to work towards the 3G pitch now with a target date of May 2026. It can’t be understated the number of hours over the last 10 or so months that has gone into this, and the Committee are completely dedicated to achieving success.
Changing Rooms
For over twenty years the club have had plans to build new changing rooms at the back of the main stand and we now intend to complete these this summer. Plans have been submitted and planning is being resubmitted imminently.
These new facilities will provide high quality changing rooms to our first teams and Under 18s sides and allow us to improve our current ones for use by younger age groups.
LED Floodlights
A grant has been secured to fund the installation of LED floodlights at the club this year. This will dramatically reduce the cost of running the floodlights, especially after the installation of the 3G pitch.
Partnership with Twyford Spartans
A key cornerstone to becoming a community based football club is a strong youth section and a clear pathway for children to progress into adults football, whether it be Mens, Ladies or Disability. We all know the limitations we currently face with the pitch, but when we have installed the 3G pitch we will be able to cater for many more people. As we work towards that, we’ve had multiple discussions with Twyford Spartans and hope to have a positive agreement to announce in the near future.
The Committee are completely focused on turning Tiverton Town Football Club into a Community focused club, one which is here for the majority rather than the minority at the same time as supporting our Men’s first team to play at the highest possible level within the football pyramid. We are always looking for people to come on board and support our plans, whether it’s as a Committee Member, Volunteer, Sponsor or Partner. Be part of the future, step forward and help us.
Onwards and Upwards 💛