Football club given £109k for 'vital' improvements

Deal Town Football Club has received a £109,000 funding boost from the Premier League Stadium Fund

A Kent football club has received a major funding boost to support "vital improvements" to its stadium.

Deal Town FC has been given £109,000 from the Premier League Stadium Fund to help upgrade its changing facilities, perimeter fencing and floodlights.

The club's chairperson, Natalie Benville, said the investment would ensure the club remained "a cornerstone of the local sporting community" and "enhance the matchday experience".

"We are thrilled to have secured this funding, which marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve our facilities," Ms Benville added.

"The new changing rooms will benefit our teams at all levels, while the upgraded fencing will provide a safer and more welcoming environment for our fans.

"I would like to extend our gratitude to the Premier League, Dover District Council, Toby Smith from the Smith Group and the contractors DB Works for their support in making this project a reality."

Ms Benville added that Peter Jones, a former headteacher, donated a considerable amount to the club to support the project.

Mr Jones said: "My donation is exclusively to upgrade facilities at the ground. It stems from a desire to see the youth of the area enjoying an environment as conducive as possible to their footballing development.

"Having played football locally for many years, and coached youngsters when teaching at schools in Reading, Whitfield and Mongeham, I wish to see the money donated providing future generations with sound sustainable facilities."

The renovation is expected to be completed by the end of the 2024/2025 season.