New light shines on the future of Easebourne and Midhurst football players
Chairman Mark Broughton told the Observer the lights had been forty years in the pipeline and without them the club had been looking relegation in the face for several seasons as they were an essential requirement for keeping the senior team’s position at the highest level of county football.
“It has been touch and go,” said Mark. “Without the lights we would have gone down and if that had happened there was a danger the club would have folded - it was that close.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said they benefitted not just the football club but also the cricket and stoolball teams at the Rotherfield Sports Association ground.
They are the first phase of major improvements. The association has permission for a £400,000 pavilion.
The floodlights were supplied by Musco Lighting, who provide lights for high profile football, cricket and rugby clubs including Arsenal and Hants CC at the Ageas Bowl.
Midhurst and Easebourne FC have two teams at senior level in Sussex County Football and 11 junior sides from under 7s to under 18s in organised local leagues. “The new lights will enable our young footballers to aspire to the highest level,” said committee member Chris Wigley.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMajor funding came from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, the largest funders of non-league football in the country who contributed £42,602 to the works. There were also significant contributions from the Big Society Fund via West Sussex County Council and the Grange Community Association. “We are indebted to them, Cowdray Estate, MacDonald Oates, all our sponsors and many hardworking members of the Football Club and RSA committees,” said Chris.
The first league match under the floodlights takes place on Tuesday (September 27), against Selsey FC.
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/
2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidhurstandPetworthObserver
3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.