Albion Rovers seek new artificial surface 'next year' after initial talks on SFA funding
Rovers have released an update to fans regarding their bid to transform Cliftonhill
Albion Rovers has announced they have their sights set on an artificial pitch for Cliftonhil next year.
The cash-strapped club are seeking new revenue streams to keep them afloat and believe turning the grass pitch at their Coatbridge home into a multiple-use community venue can help provide the financial boost they require.
They believe they can achieve this "ambitous" upgrade through funding from the Scottish Football Association.
In a statement to fans, the Rovers' 'Project Board' revealed they met with the SFA and the Scottish Football Partnership Trust last week to discuss their plans, which would initially see Cliftonhill's facilities and floodlights upgraded, before attention turns to implementing a new surface.
The club statement read: "The Project Board is continuing to explore various funding streams in line with our long-term vision of transforming The Reigart Stadium's facilities so we can transition to operating as a vibrant and accessible community sports hub.
"The Project Board agreed that our initial focus should be to attain funding which would allow for the installation of an artificial pitch to replace the current grass surface. This would empower the Board and ARFC to be able to deliver wider participation and community engagement through the likes of our fantastic Community Trust.
"It has been a whirlwind start. It is clear that we are at the beginning of an exciting journey that will no doubt have highs and lows along the way. There is no limit to what we can achieve and the feedback the Project Board has received so far from outwith the Club has been wholly positive.
"We have engaged with the Scottish FA regarding The Scottish Football Facilities Fund – which has two strands.
"The Member Support stream, which helps a Club retain or improve their Club Licensing Status, is where the Board believes our journey would be best placed to start and we have initially engaged with the Scottish FA regarding this. Currently, Albion Rovers holds an Entry Licence. The Club aspires to reach Bronze License level.
"The Community Football Spaces stream – created from investment received from the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) – is a clear target capital investment fund for the Board in the future and we are exploring how to reach a position where we would be able to submit a robust, evidence-based application.
"The Board believe a phased approach, working closely with the Scottish FA and The Scottish Football Partnership Trust, is how we should proceed.
"Last week, the Board and Club met with both parties. MSP Fulton MacGregor and a representative from MP Frank McNally's office also attended. The consensus was clear: a project with the aim of replacing the Club's grass pitch to allow The Reigart Stadium to operate as a community sports hub is the way forward for Albion Rovers. We'd like to thank those who attended.
"Over the coming months, the Board will continue to engage with the Scottish FA and The Scottish Football Partnership Trust. Further engagement will allow us to develop our course of action going forward.
"Our phased approach is likely to be firstly new floodlights and accessible changing facilities for community football then an ambitious bid for a full artificial pitch next year.
"We will work tirelessly to be in a position to apply for both strands of the Scottish Football Facilities Fund when they next open."
Rovers announced last month that after two seasons in the Lowland League and with SPFL parachute payments ceasing at the end of this season, the club will only be able to pay players and staff expenses from next season.
Claims have also been made in an open letter from the club that the main shareholder, Anton Fagan, is blocking potential new revenue streams. The club has launched fighting fund 'Rovers Return' to try and ease their woes.
The club completed this season's Lowland League campaign on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat to Celtic B, which confirmed a sixth place finish.
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