Sevenoaks Town FC is delighted to announce that Sevenoaks District Council has resolved to grant its planning application for the installation of a state-of-the-art 3G pitch at Greatness Park.
Paul Lansdale, Chairman, said: “This is a significant step forward for the Club and the first piece in a much wider jigsaw that should see Greatness Park transformed over the coming years, to become a sporting focal point and a thriving family-friendly hub at the heart of the Sevenoaks community.”
“We have worked very closely with Sevenoaks Town Council and Greatness Residents’ Association since the start of the process to ensure the project meets the needs of all key stakeholders – for example, the plans include replacement floodlights that will significantly reduce light pollution.”
The application received approval from both Sport England and the Kent FA as part of the process, recognising the high demand for this type of facility within the area. The Club’s intention is to also engage with local schools and groups to ensure the facility is accessible for the wider community to benefit from.
The Club has nearly quadrupled in size since 2007; growth on a scale which is largely unprecedented within grassroots football. The 3G pitch will enable more teams to train during the week and will increase the capacity to host fixtures at Greatness Park, especially during the winter, meaning more people have the chance to participate in the game. The Club already runs 59 teams providing football for over 750 players from five to sixty-five.
Lansdale continued: “A great deal of work now has to take place to ensure the project is sufficiently financed but our aim is for construction to begin in May next year ready for the start of September.”
This latest news, comes just months after the Club was announced as FA Charter Standard Community Club of the Year, not just for Kent but for the entire South East – an incredible achievement which demonstrates the Club’s leading position within grassroots football nationwide.
On the season ahead, Lansdale said: “All sections of the Club continue to go from strength-to-strength with more teams, players, coaches and volunteers than ever before accommodating all levels of football. We are on the brink of an exciting new era which will leave a lasting legacy on the Sevenoaks community.”
For all enquiries, please contact info@stjfc.org.uk.