These are exciting times for Larkhall Athletic. This month will see their redeveloped Plain Ham ground stage its first games, whilst an official opening event will also take place.
The Pitching In Southern League Division One South club have installed a FIFA Pro quality 3G playing surface, alongside a new 250-seat stand and enhanced floodlights with LED technology that will benefit not only the first-team, but over 600 young players as part of their One Club, One Vision aspiration.
Not only that, the project also encompasses environmental landscaping, planting and a comprehensive update of the other facilities on site that will benefit the local community as a whole.
“The objective behind the project was to develop exceptional facilities that would enhance our on-field performance and enable the 600 young players in the club to train and play games at our Plain Ham home, which was previously unfeasible,” Chairman, Paul Rankin, told us. “Furthermore, we aimed to offer an enhanced experience for supporters, which will be facilitated by the new 250-seat stand that is now in place here.
“The journey from inception to completion has likely spanned a decade. However, since obtaining planning approval for the 3G pitch in December 2022 and securing the required funds, the project has taken two years.
“The construction phase was relatively straightforward, although the contractors might disagree, and it took 16 weeks from start to finish. Thanks to the selection of skilled contractors, consultants, and advisors, as well as stellar project management by the Club, we have achieved a smooth delivery, on schedule and within budget.
“Our aim is 'One Club, One Vision' which is to make the club fully inclusive from the youngest players to the senior teams and to provide a wider accessible facility that provides for our diverse community.
“Ultimately, we strive for success on the pitch with the objective of playing at the highest possible standard within the restraints of our finances and facilities.
“The enhancements will generate additional revenue which will ensure that the Club continues to be sustainable for the long-term and is not only for the short-term, but is a legacy which we can all be proud of.
“I am honored to be a member of the Leadership team at the Club, which is built on the dedication of our long-standing volunteers. These individuals, some of whom have been with the club for over 50 years, are the cornerstone of our success and are all vital to the realisation of this landmark project.”
Having come so close to securing a play-off place last term, ultimately missing out on the final day of the season, they have started the current campaign with one win and two defeats from their opening three League games as well as progress into the second round qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup.
“The season has been somewhat disrupted since we haven't been able to play at home, with the exception of one game hosted by Bath City,” continued Rankin, a 62 year-old Director of Fire Safety Services and Aviation at Securitas Security Services UK Limited. “We've secured victories in two FA Cup matches and one out of three league games. We're confident in our squad's ability to compete, and we're fortunate to have an excellent management team headed by Ollie Price.
“We typically don't set specific objectives for the manager, trusting in his ability to maximize the resources at hand, although he might mention that the play-offs have come up a few times in our discussions!
“This League is never easy; newly-promoted teams often perform well in their first season, and the threat of relegation for four teams this season is a concern for many.
“Typically, it's the teams with larger budgets and more resources that are expected to vie for promotion and play-off spots. We aim to disrupt the status quo and challenge these clubs.”
Rankin has been associated with the club for over 35 years, firstly as a player, then manager and now as Chairman.
“I’ve been Chairman for the past decade,” he concluded. “I'm still humorously searching for that escape tunnel and even after digging up the pitch, I still can’t find it!”
The club will play its first game at the new facilities on Wednesday, September 18th when they host Bashley before staging a New Ground Development Open Evening on Friday, September 27th between 4.30pm and 8pm. There will be ground tours, entertainment and a pig roast.
It’s great to see such fantastic developments taking place at the club that will benefit the lives of so many people.
IMAGE: Larkhall Athletic FC
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