Rebels submit latest plans to install 3G

Worthing are pushing ahead with plans to become the latest Ryman League club to install a state-of-the-art artificial surface.

The Ryman South’s Rebels announced this week that they’ve submitted a planning application to install a 3G pitch at Woodside Road, pictured, as part of a drive to forge new links in their community and put the club on a sound financial footing for the future.

Officials hope to form partnerships with Worthing College, local schools and other educational establishments as well as community organisations and local businesses to maximise usage and create a long term income stream for the West Sussex outfit.

Figures for other clubs with 3G facilities show they can expect to bring in £100,000 a year and half that again in further indirect revenue with between 1000 and 1500 people a week using the stadium once their new facilities are up and running.

Following in the footsteps of other Ryman clubs like Maidstone United and most recently Harlow Town, was first discussed by the club’s board last July. They estimate that converting the stadium to a FIFA and FA approved playing surface for competitive football will cost approximately £325,000.

A commercial mortgage would fund the project, a sum officials aim to recoup within three years from the revenue generated through hire of the pitch and other activities like after school groups as their overall plan also includes additional changing, meeting, educational, hospitality and catering facilities at the ground.