Premier League cash boost for ambitious Ambers

Cheshunt's fans and officials are celebrating a £150,000 grant from the Premier League towards the on-going redevelopment of the Ryman North club's Theobalds Lane.

The ambitious Ambers were boosted on Friday when the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) confirmed the award towards the installation of a new floodlight system, a 170-seater covered grandstand, pitch perimeter barrier, fencing, team dug-outs, re-surfacing of spectator areas and turnstiles.

Funded with £5.2m each year from the Premier League, the FSIF is the country’s largest provider of grants towards projects that help improve the comfort and safety of lower league football grounds in both the professional and amateur game. Improvements range from new football stands and turnstiles to floodlighting and improved provision for disabled supporters.

With work already underway on transforming 16 acres of land at the club's home to provide a high quality training and playing complex ahead of the opening of their new Elite College Programme in partnership with Stevenage Borough next season, the Ambers say the Premier League cash will enable them to continue to grow and develop as a financially sustainable community club.

Cheshunt chairman Dean Williamson said: “I’m delighted with the funding award. Sports facilities are very important to the community and it is really reassuring to know the value the Premier League, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, places on developing new facilities.

"Not only will the proposals bring a visually enhanced look to the club, but also offer the wider community access to a fantastic football facility that will be there for all to enjoy.”

FSIF chairman Peter McCormick OBE said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to offer this sizable grant to Cheshunt FC. This project is excellent example of the investment that the Premier League continues to provide to clubs and organisations at all levels of the National League System, through the FSIF.

"The ground improvements will provide a massive boost to the club, allowing them to enjoy a healthy and sustainable future, and I look forward to seeing the results of the works.”

* Since April, teenagers from across Hertfordshire, Essex and London have been able to apply for a new football and education scholarship thanks to the new partnership between Cheshunt and League Two Stevenage.

The ultimate aim of the new Elite College Programme (ECP) is to turn out professional footballers. Kicking off in September, the programme will offer boys aged 16-19 a unique opportunity to get a first class education while learning and training within a professional football club environment and playing in the British Colleges League.

Students who win two year scholarships will study for a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport - the equivalent of three A-Levels – while also studying for qualifications to work in the sports industry, including FA coaching badges.

Follow us: @rymanleaguenews on Twitter | Ryman League group on Facebook