Weymouth FC is delighted to announce that it has won a national competition for ground improvements, securing an award of £25,000 worth of building materials to improve its facilities from nationwide building supplier; Buildbase.
The Buildbase £100k Transfer Deal 2019 is a renovation programme for clubs playing in the Buildbase FA Trophy or Buildbase FA Vase competitions.
Weymouth FC, competes in the Buildbase FA Trophy, and is joint winner of the Transfer Deal competition, with Barnoldswick Town FC, which has been competing in the Buildbase FA Vase. Weymouth reached the final of the competition via an online poll and would like to thank its supporters for their support in the competition.
Then the project team of Gareth Jones, Josh Barton, Josh Clarke, and Dorset Abilities Group member Matthew Knibbs visited the home of English football – Wembley stadium – to pitch their ideas to a panel of FA and Buildbase representatives.
The panel of Judges praised Weymouth FC’s plans to significantly improve facilities at the Bob Lucas Stadium for disabled and special needs supporters, integrating them with club sponsors and creating a more inclusive experience for everyone in the local community including schools and businesses.
Aisling Kenny, HR Director at Buildbase said: “Weymouth FC has lifetime supporters who aren’t able to get the full experience of the club because the facilities don’t allow them to participate.
“We feel that we can make a difference to that through this programme, which is all about Buildbase investing in local communities by providing materials and expertise.”
Local solicitor, Gareth Jones led the pitch for Weymouth FC wanted to stress the team effort: “The presentation was a team effort, and we must include club stalwart Mark Golsby in that. He couldn’t attend the presentation but was with us in spirit and will definitely be back in the team as we move forward to deliver the programme.
“It’s tremendous that Weymouth FC can win this national award within weeks of securing promotion and now is working on the main stand improvements.
“It’s a glut of good news, and Weymouth FC is definitely the place to be right now for success and community engagement.”
Disabled Weymouth lifetime supporter Matthew Knibbs told the Judging panel: “We’re trying to update Weymouth FC for disabled people.
“The facility will improve the experience for disabled fans and I am sure it will help us to bring in more disabled fans. We’re over the moon to win. It’s massive!”
Gareth Jones added: “On a personal note, it was great to work with Luke Tomlin and the star of the show – Matthew Knibbs from the Dorset Abilities Group. Luke was terrified before the presentation, but was awesome at Wembley.
“It’s great that Weymouth FC can now strive to provide the best facilities for disabled supporters and we will be going out to secure more investment in such a brilliant and life changing project.
“This is just the start, but what a start. I am sure that we will be out there in the local community in the next few weeks determined to get everyone possible in the community engaged in something very special.”
Buildbase has awarded £300,000 worth of building materials to improve non-league football club facilities since it became the title sponsor of the FA Trophy and Vase in 2016. Previous winners include Hanwell Town, Cleethorpes Town, Cheadle Town, Needham Market, AFC Darwen and Tadcaster Albion AFC.
The next Buildbase £100k Transfer Deal will open for applications later this year. Updates can be found by following @BuildbaseUK on Twitter #Buildbase100KDeal, at Buildbase.co.uk or in branch.
