Billericay Town FC is calling on fans and people living in the local area to support its bid to revamp the club’s facilities with the help of builders’ merchant, Buildbase.
The club has applied to the Buildbase Club Renovation Programme, which launched this year and is open to teams entering The Buildbase FA Trophy and Vase competitions. Up to £100,000 worth of building materials, electrical products and hire equipment is available to two football clubs in 2017.
Daniel Groves, club chairman, said: “After taking over the club and asking the fans what they wanted, we’re investing in a new stadium, re-developing the clubhouse and creating a second training pitch facility.”
Billericay Town FC is now rallying the local community to support its application online with the number of people supporting a bid forming part of the judging criteria.
To help the club stand a better chance of being awarded Buildbase’s product bursary, fans can register their support at https://www.buildbase.co.uk/pitch-in-your-support and also Tweet using #BuildbaseRenovation.
Local Buildbase branches – such as Buildbase Basildon – will be supporting the clubs by providing information and advice about the building products required for a renovation project.
Kate Tinsley, CEO of Buildbase said: “Our branch teams are already an integral part of their local communities so it’s brilliant to be able to extend their support with an investment that will renovate football club facilities for the benefit of all. All clubs taking part in the competitions can apply and in partnership with The FA we will select the most worthy causes.”
In February, six shortlisted finalists, consisting of three Buildbase FA Trophy and three Buildbase FA Vase clubs, will be invited to pitch their project to a panel of judges from The FA and Buildbase at a “Dragon’s Den”-style event at Wembley. Two winners will be announced at The Buildbase FA Trophy and Vase semi finals on 11 March 2017. They will receive an award presentation for their building products on finals day on 21 May 2017, ready to start renovations over the summer.
The Buildbase Club Renovation Programme is a £200,000 product bursary running throughout 2017 and 2018.
Mark Bullingham, FA Commercial Director said: “This scheme could be a real boon for clubs wanting to expand, attract more supporters and become a real hub of their local community. It will be both the non-league community and local fans that become the beneficiaries too, which can only be a good thing.”