Southam United FC to get £250,000 grant to help secure its long-term future
Southam United FC will receive a grant of up to £250,000 from Stratford District Council to help to secure the club’s long-term future.
The council made the announcement today following a meeting of its senior cabinet members.
The funding is to complete the community clubhouse facilities at Bobby Hancocks Park.
For months, Kenilworth and Southam MP Sir Jeremy Wright has been supporting the club’s current volunteer management team, chaired by Wayne Stevenson, along with Cllr Angela John and Southam Town Council’s town clerk, Debbie Carro, to help find a solution to a catalogue of unfinished works to the hub building’s top floor function area that have existed since the building opened less than ten years ago.
The works required to complete the facility, including heating, kitchen and toilet facilities, are estimated to cost around £350,000 meaning a funding gap of £100,000 still remains.
The council’s grant is subject to a number of conditions, including the development of a detailed business plan, continued engagement with Birmingham County FA, exploration of external grant funding opportunities, and arrangements to safeguard public investment.
The level of the council’s funding will reduce if significant additional grant funding is secured from other sources.
Councillor Lorraine Grocott, the council’s environmental and neighbourhood services portfolio holder, said: "Southam United Football Club has been at the heart of the local community for more than a century, providing opportunities for people of all ages to get active, develop new skills and enjoy the benefits that sport brings. "By supporting the completion of these facilities, we are helping to secure the future of the club, protect an important community asset and create greater opportunities for residents to take part in sport and community activities for many years to come.”
The district council has been working closely with Southam United and the Birmingham County FA to explore options for securing the club's future.
Alongside the council's funding, the club – which currently provides football opportunities for around 150 players and runs 19 teams ranging from under-5s to senior level - will continue to pursue external grant opportunities and implement recommendations arising from a club development review “designed to strengthen governance, sustainability and future growth”.
This includes expanding opportunities for girls' football and players with disabilities.