Chipstead scoop £25,000 grant to improve their pitch at Chevening Road

CHIPSTEAD are taking steps to prevent the problems posed by waterlogged pitches after scoring more than £25,000 in funding from Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB).

The relegated NRG Gym Kent County League Division One West club will use the grant to install a new pitch drainage system underneath its main and junior mini-soccer pitches at their Chevening Road ground near Sevenoaks.

It is hoped this will put an end to the frustratingly frequent sight of waterlogged pitches during the winter months, which often result in cancelled games or the club having to find and pay for alternative venues.

Chipstead chairman Alan Black said: “The last two winters have been particularly blighted by wet weather, resulting in an unacceptable level of cancellations and disruption, not to mention the expense of hiring alternative venues.

“The drainage system would make a huge difference to the club, which has three senior and 21 junior football teams. As well as being able to keep the membership fees at an affordable level, the club would also be able to benefit from using its excellent facilities for the whole season.

“We’re incredibly grateful to CETB for providing us with such a generous grant.”

Angela Haymonds, who is the trust secretary at CETB, said: “The new drainage system will ensure 300+ club members suffer far fewer cancelled games. The Trustees are delighted to have been able to support Chipstead Football Club with funding.”

CETB funding is available for a wide range of projects that bring benefit to local communities. This may include refurbishment of churches or buildings of architectural or historical significance, or general amenity projects, such as improving disabled access or improvements to parks and nature reserves.

For more information contact Angela Haymonds on 01753 582513 or ahaymonds@cetb.org.uk   or visit www.cetb.org.uk.

Visit Chipstead’s website: www.chipsteadfc.org.uk