Common cause sees the light

Planning permission to install floodlights and a spectator stand at the Recreation Ground was granted back in January 2010, and the funding to make it happen has now been secured.

Half of the cost has been covered by a grant of £34,086 from The Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF), supporters of the Football Foundation and the largest funder of non-league football in the country.

Common chairman Ken Cherry said: “We are very grateful for the support of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and Football Foundation for their significant support to our ground improvements.

“This is a dream come true for us and after many years of hard work, we can now look forward to realising our ambition of having a ground and facilities that the community can be proud of. These new facilities will enable us to continue to grow and provide opportunities for the local community.”

Installing six permanent floodlights and building a 50-seat spectator stand as part of a £68,172 project will help ensure that the club complies with the step six ground grading requirements, as well as enabling the continual development of opportunities for its ever-growing membership.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and Football Foundation, said: “A vibrant community team is vital for the future of football. The Football Stadia Improvement Fund’s aim is to revolutionise funding for the grassroots in the same way the professional game has been transformed.”

Over £90m has already been invested by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund since its launch in July 2000, funding lower league ground improvements throughout the professional and amateur game.