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| 02 April 2008 |
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Third time lucky - ‘Sheer grit and hard work is the winner’
A £1.8 million project to build the biggest outdoor public sports complex in West Devon has been approved by the Football Foundation who have awarded the proposal grants of more than £1.7 million.
The scheme, for a comprehensive new football complex at Crowndale on the edge of Tavistock, is for six new pitches, a new grandstand, five new sets of changing rooms, a community room and a car parking area. The plans also include a separate access road through the existing football club.
The Football Foundation has awarded Tavistock Community Football Club a huge £926,689 grant, whilst its sister organisation, the Football Stadia Improvement Fund has awarded a further grant of £78,774 to neighbouring Tavistock Association Football Club.
In addition the Football Foundation has awarded £200,000 to Tavistock Community FC as part of the Community Club Development Programme (CCDP) after The FA identified the club as being eligible. CCDP is a Government funded scheme, managed nationally by Sport England and delivered by the Football Foundation, specifically earmarked to develop links between the country’s leading junior clubs and their local communities, providing quality coaching and safe environments for young people to enjoy the national game.
On land adjacent to Crowndale at Tavistock College a full size all-weather pitch has also just been approved by the Football Foundation with a further £499,869 grant.
The two projects mean that the Football Foundation has awarded Tavistock a huge £1.7 million boost towards prestigious new sporting facilities for the town.
The scheme has been drawn up by local groups over the last 14 years and organisations behind the plans have raised money locally over that period to establish the local funding that has now been multiplied by the Foundation’s grant.
West Devon Borough Council, Devon County Football Association, Crowndale Recreational Association, Tavistock Football Club, Tavistock College, Tavistock Town Youth FC, Tavistock Thistles FC, local ladies football teams and Devon County Council have all played a major role in the project.
It’s anticipated that a Football Development Management Scheme with a dedicated officer will further develop football in the area over the next five years.
West Devon Borough Councillor Nick Morgan, who has been on the co-ordinating committee for the project, said: “This is simply magnificent news and shows that if you are really determined you can be successful. Sheer grit and hard work is the winner here.
“A lot of people have worked tirelessly to bring this scheme forward over the years and after a lot of negotiation with a series of very helpful people, we have now been totally successful.”
John Warne, Chairman of Crowndale Recreation Association (CRA), said: “First and foremost, on behalf of the CRA, I wish to express our immense gratitude to the Football Foundation for their exceptional generosity and their total commitment to the development of grass roots football in West Devon.
“Tavistock has always been renowned for its meadows and this scheme will provide a further recreational green lung alongside the River Tavy which will be enjoyed by future generations to come. It is simply wonderful. This is a really unique valley that is fabulous for all sports; the potential here is enormous.
“For CRA members this has been a dream they have had for more than 14 years. I am so happy for them and our many supporters over those years. Local people donated so generously to our fund raising and all their faith and kindness has produced something unique for the town and its area”
Derek Pethick, Chairman of Tavistock Football Club, added: “This is predominantly a youth project and I think it will change the face of football in West Devon. I ‘m absolutely delighted.
“It gives everyone a wonderful opportunity to play local football whether just for fun and exercise or to aim for the highest levels.”
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This funding announcement is great news for the Tavistock community and will greatly increase opportunities for local people to play regular sport and stay healthy.
“The Football Foundation exists thanks to the generous investment provided by our funding partners, the Premier League, The FA and Government. I want to congratulate the football clubs, Tavistock College, the Devon County FA and all local stakeholders that have worked on this project.”
Jim Clarke, Regional Director, Sport England South West, said: “We’re delighted to make this CCDP grant award to Tavistock Community FC. This facility provides a huge boost for the local community, helping more people get involved and reach their potential. We want funds to go directly to the heart of community sport to revitalise popular facilities and encourage more people to take part in sport more often. Tavistock Community FC’s commitment to providing high-quality facilities demonstrates a demand and passion for football – both at this club, and further a-field.”
Development on site is expected to begin this summer and the scheme will be completed by the middle of 2009. |
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