Club's £1m pitch is 'gift to the community'

Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field is getting a new artificial surface

A non-league football club in Lincolnshire has announced a £1m investment in its ground.

Spalding United will be laying what it calls a "state-of-the-art" artificial pitch at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

The floodlights and the changing rooms will also be improved.

The club, known as the Tulips, described the investment as a gift to supporters and the wider community.

Spalding United, which competes in the Southern League Premier Central, has a 25-year lease on the playing field.

Club owner Andrew Killingsworth said: "This is a pivotal moment. We're not only elevating our facilities to support our promotion ambitions but also laying the groundwork for a sustainable future."

Chief executive Leigh Porter added: "This is a big first step for us. It's massive in the current climate."

Mr Porter said the new artificial pitch was the same type used by Chelsea at their training ground, with officials from Spalding travelling there to see it for themselves.

Spalding United said the investment would help expand its footballing operations, introducing new teams across all age groups and strengthening its women's and junior sections.

Work began this week and should be completed by early August.

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