NEEDHAM Market FC are upgrading their facilities as a winner of the 2018 Buildbase Club Renovation Programme.

The Suffolk club will use the £50k product bursary for club improvements after succeeding at a pitching event for the six finalists held at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.

The product bursary includes building, electrical and hire products which will be provided by local Buildbase branches working with the clubs.

Needham Market FC will improve their facilities – including changing rooms, function rooms and a community café – to supplement the recently-installed 3G pitch and make the club a hub for the community.

Robert Peace, Needham Market FC Operations & Academy Director said: “We are delighted to have won the Buildbase Renovation Programme.

“The £50,000 product bursary for club improvements will have a massive benefit on the club and local community. The community café, changing room facilities and multi-function room will provide some of the best facilities within the county alongside the 3G pitch currently being built.

“Winning the Buildbase Renovation Programme will now allow Needham Market FC to open the facilities to a wider range of individuals and allow greater football and sporting provision on site and will be an area for the local community, staff and volunteers to be proud of.”

Needham Market FC are one of two clubs to win this year’s product bursary, splitting the £100k prize with Stockport’s Cheadle Town FC.

Ian McConville, Procurement Director at Buildbase said: “This is our second year awarding the product bursary to two non-league clubs and – from a total of almost 60 applications – we’ve chosen two richly-deserving winners that are investing both in their football clubs and the local community.

“Listening to them and all the shortlisted clubs was a reminder of the great work grassroots football clubs do in often very challenging circumstances. We’re glad to help another two clubs accelerate their plans for the future.”

Mark Bullingham, FA Group Commercial and Marketing Director said: “Congratulations to Needham Market for securing this prestigious product bursary.

“Once again the Buildbase Club Renovation programme has energised the grassroots community and demonstrated that opportunities exist for clubs at this level to improve facilities for the betterment of players, staff and fans alike.

“Thanks again to Buildbase for being a great supporter of the clubs competing in the Trophy and Vase.”  

Last year, the Buildbase Club Renovation Programme provided £100,000 of building, electrical and hire products available for two clubs – Hanwell Town FC and Cleethorpes Town FC – both of which have made significant improvements to their facilities.

If you would like further information on the developments, please contact Robert Peace via email robert.peace@needhammarketacademy.com or via phone 07738 084223.

Needham Market FC officials are pictured above celebrating with Buildbase and FA judges after winning the £50k Buildbase Renovation Programme product bursary 2018. From left to right: Ali Holliday, John Little, Mark Pover, Robert Peace, Caroline Smith, George Dorling, Ian McConville.