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Ground improvement works in Wiltshire impress local MP

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James Gray MP (centre) officially unveils the ground improvement works at Calne Town FC.

James Gray, MP for North Wiltshire, officially unveiled Calne Town FC’s stadium upgrade project recently (Saturday 29 September). This has been made possible by investment from the Premier League, which has been delivered by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF).

The investment has allowed Calne Town FC, who play in the Western League Division One at Step 6, to renovate various parts of their home ground, Bremhill View Stadium. The upgrades mean the club is able to retain its Step 6 status and meet the requirements of Grade G of the FA National Ground Grading Criteria.

The funding has been used to make several improvements to the ground, including: installing new cladding to the rear of the covered seating stand, replacing a section of damaged boundary fencing, refurbishing the roof to the changing rooms and replacing the flooring of the away changing room.

Calne Town FC currently operates three teams playing at the ground, with the first team playing in the Western Tool Station League, the reserves based in the Trowbridge League and Under-18 side competing in the Wiltshire Floodlight League. The Club is also closely linked to FC Calne, providing a pathway from junior to adult football.

The project was made possible by a £17,981 grant from the Premier League, which is delivered through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund – the sister organisation of the Football Foundation.

In 2016 Calne Town FC were awarded a £33,460 grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund to replace the floodlights at Bremhill View Stadium.

Simon Gardner, Vice Chairman of Calne Town Football, said: “As a club, we truly know how difficult it is in raising money, the funds from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and the Premier League have been a massive boost to us and without these we would not have been able to retain our step 6 ground status. We would also like to thank James Gray MP for officially unveiling the improvement works at the ground.” 

James Gray, MP for North Wiltshire, said: “As the local MP, I am delighted that the Football Stadia Improvement Fund has made funds available to improve the football experience in Calne. I am a strong supporter of getting our young people out and about in the countryside and fresh air; playing sport, and just watching it is all part of this. But that will only happen if you provide the high quality experience which they quite rightly expect. It is this kind of investment which will make that happen.”

Peter McCormick OBE, Chairman of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, said: “The improvement works at Bremhill View Stadium are a fine example of the various works non-league clubs have to undertake to maintain their facilities. It’s pleasing to see that the funding Calne Town FC have received will help to solidify their current Step 6 status.

“Through funding from the Premier League, the FSIF is committed to improving football stadia infrastructure for lower league clubs like Calne Town FC. I would also like to thank James Gray MP for officially unveiling the improvement works and I wish everyone at the club all the best for the future.”