Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has visited the Beaconsfield, home of Hailsham Town Football Club, to meet its Chairman Rob Squires and to support the Club’s fundraising campaign.
Hailsham Town FC have been part of the Hailsham community since 1885. The Beaconsfield has been their home for over half a century. However, the ground is prone to flooding which severely hinders the utilisation of the pitch. An extended period of severe weather over last autumn and winter has resulted in catastrophic flooding. In addition to this, the Covid-19 restrictions meant that the Club was unable to host any home games, posing a significant threat to the future of the Club.
Nus Ghani has long campaigned for better funding for local clubs. She has raised the issue of lack of investment in local football clubs with the Football Foundation, which recently awarded grants worth £14,500 in total to seven clubs in Wealden. Hailsham Town FC was one of the successful applicants and was awarded a grant of £1,500. The funding has been used for pitch maintenance work and reseeding.
Although support has also been received from Hailsham Town Council to make improvements, additional work is needed to protect the pitch from damage caused by heavy rainfall. By adding proper drainage, improvements will be made to the water run-off from the playing surface during periods of heavy rainfall, meaning less postponed matches, more utilisation by the community, a better playing surface and a better facility for Hailsham residents to enjoy a local game.
Nus Ghani said: “Hailsham Town FC is a great club with a strong and long-standing presence in the community. I appreciate the hardships that the Club has faced during these times of uncertainty and I am delighted to have successfully campaigned to secure a grant from the Football Foundation. If you can, please support the Club in ensuring that their pitch is match-ready for Wealden grassroots football to resume. It only takes 300 small donations from Hailsham Town FC fans and the Hailsham community to help the Club reach the target, and bigger donations can enjoy great rewards. To donate, please visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk and search “Improving Drainage at The Beaconsfield.”
No amount is too small to make a difference. The Club is offering rewards such as game tickets and match sponsorships with donations starting at £15. For a donation of £500, you can enjoy four free seasonal tickets and with substantial donations, companies can benefit from a complimentary advertisement at the stadium.
If you can, please support the Club’s fundraiser by donating here.
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