Joy for Darlington sports clubs as £150,000 grant announced

The Premier League, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF), the largest funder of non league football in the country, has announced a grant of £150,000 to Darlington Football Club (DFC 1883 Ltd) and Darlington Rugby Football Club DRFC).

The funding will go towards ground improvement works at Blackwell Meadows which includes the construction of two new spectator stands, turnstiles, dug-outs, boundary and pitch fencing, and work on the playing surface.

 Funded with £5.2m each year from the Premier League, the FSIF is the country’s largest provider of grants towards projects that help improve the comfort and safety of lower league football grounds in both the professional and amateur game. These improvements range from new football stands and turnstiles to floodlighting and improved provision for disabled supporters.

Director John Tempest said; “We must thank the Premier League through the FSIF for their investment. This will now allow us to start work on Blackwell Meadows, and this grant supports our overall fundraising campaign. I would like to thank project manager, Malcolm Cundick, for his tireless work and likewise the efforts of Michael Wilkinson Chairman of DRFC to get this application over the line.”

Peter McCormick OBE, Chairman of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, said; “Congratulations must go to Darlington FC and Darlington Rugby FC for securing this FSIF grant. The improvement works will benefit both the players and club’s supporters. The new stand will also provide a safe and comfortable environment for spectators, and other improvement works including fencing, turnstiles and floodlights will improve the match day experience for all. The investment is a key example of the Premier League’s commitment to improving grassroots facilities across the country. I look forward to seeing the works complete.

For more information contact:

• John Tempest on 07885 774 155 or john.tempest@darlingtonfc.org
• Alice Sherritt on 0345 345 4555 Ext: 4292 or alice.sherritt@footballfoundation.org.uk