Leiston FC, a football club based in Suffolk, has submitted plans to East Suffolk Council for the construction of a new state-of-the-art pitch at its Victory Road stadium. The proposed 3G FIFA Pro all-weather artificial pitch would not only enable the club to play in the National League but also provide a much-needed facility for other local clubs in the area.
Currently playing in the Southern League Premier Division Central, Leiston FC aspires to compete at a higher level. However, due to the condition of their grass pitch, the club’s first and under-23 teams frequently have to train at Kesgrave High School. By replacing the existing surface with a modern artificial pitch, the club aims to address this issue and begin utilizing the new facility by April.
To finance this project, which represents the first phase of the club’s overall redevelopment plans, Leiston FC must raise £650,000. Additional funding will be required for the subsequent phases, which involve the reconstruction of changing rooms and alterations to the clubhouse.
Andy Crisp, the chair of Leiston FC, disclosed that an extra £150,000 would be necessary to incorporate new LED lighting into the pitch design in order to minimize light pollution. Highlighting the community-focused nature of the project, Crisp emphasized that the new pitch would not only benefit the club but also provide a valuable resource for the wider community, including teams in neighboring towns and villages such as Benhall, Saxmundham, and Aldeburgh.
Crisp stated, It is very much a community project and not just for Leiston FC. He also highlighted the challenge of finding suitable training facilities within a reasonable distance, noting that the club has been compelled to train in Kesgrave, which is approximately 20 miles away, due to the lack of alternatives between Kirkley and Kesgrave.
The submission of the plans marks an important step towards realizing the vision of a modern playing surface for Leiston FC and the other clubs within the region. With the goal of reaching the National League and fostering community engagement, the club is determined to secure the necessary funding and bring their ambitious project to fruition.
By creating an all-weather pitch, Leiston FC aims to overcome the limitations of their current grass surface and offer a top-quality facility for both the club and the wider community.
