Leek Town has won in the region of £130,000 of funding to invest into its ground, improving hospitality and toilet facilities as well as new accessible seating.
The football club will receive up to £100,000 from the Premier League Stadium Fund and £30,000 from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council through a Disabled Facilities Grant.
The combined funding will enable the club, which competes in the Pitching In Northern Premier League at Step 3, to redevelop the Grace Street Stand at the F Ball Community Stadium in Leek.
Work is expected to start in mid-April and finish in time for the start of the new season at the end of July.
The project will see the existing toilet and hospitality facilities, which have been deemed no longer fit for purpose since the installation of the 3G surface in 2021. The new facilities will improve supporter experience and provide an accessible area for disabled and less abled fans, including low level seating.
Chairman Jon Eeles said: “The announcement of the grant comes after much hard work by all parties, and is another modest but significant moment for the club and local community.
“The existing facilities in Grace Street are no longer fit for purpose, the redevelopment will improve the experience for all users as well as providing accessible seating and toilets for our disabled and less abled supporters.”
Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, the district council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “This is a really good example of what we can achieve if we all work together.
“The new accessible access and facilities will be a welcome addition to the Grace Street Stand at Leek Town and will make the experience of supporting our team positive for all.”
The Premier League Stadium Fund provides grants to help improve facilities of football grounds in the Men’s National League System and Women’s Football Pyramid. Since 2000, more than £207 million has been awarded through the fund to over 1,000 clubs.
Nick Perchard, Premier League director of community, said: “The funding helps to improve the playing and spectator experience across the country, enhancing safety and comfort for players and fans alike and helping to deliver a higher-quality game across the leagues.
“I’m delighted it will be used to support Leek Town in the redevelopment of the Grace Street Stand. I have no doubt it will have a positive impact not just on the club, but on the local community too.”
