While you're watching football this Non-League Day, you might not be aware of it but there's a fair chance that your viewing experience has been improved in some way by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF).
In the build up to NLD events around the country on Saturday, The NLP has teamed up with the FSIF to highlight three case studies focusing on clubs already benefitting directly from the organisation's support.
Northern Premier League Scarborough Athletic kick off the coverage today (Wednesday) with Hamworthy Town coming next on Thursday and Shildon AFC on Friday.
What is the FSIF?
The FSIF was set up in 2000 and is funded by the Premier League. It provides technical and financial support for projects to improve the quality of facilities at clubs, particularly at Non-League level.
The investment plays a key role in enhancing the comfort and safety of supporters while also helping to maintain the traditions and competitiveness of the English league system.
The FSIF invests in projects that enable clubs to meet the FA's ground grading standards at their level.
In addition, the FSIF also directs additional investment towards the Premier League Fans Fund. It awards grants to clubs to strengthen their relationship with supporters and enhance their experience of the game. It also aims to increase accessibility to the sport.
FSIF in numbers
Grants awarded since 2000: 2,268
Grant value since 2000: £154m
Overall project costs since 2000: £954m
Grants awarded 2018/19: 202
Grant value 2018/19: £8m
Case Study 1: Scarborough Athletic
Attendances are Scarborough Athletic FC's Flamingo Land Stadium are on the rise following the opening of the club's new Adverset stand.
Reformed in 2007 by a supporters' trust following the winding up of Scarborough FC, the club now boasts a capacity of nearly 3,000 at their home following the redevelopment works. The work went ahead after the Seadogs received £150,000 of Premier League funding via the FSIF.
The new 1,138-capacity covered stand features 336 seats and terracing for 802 spectators. Significant work was also done to improve the experience of disabled supporters within other parts of the stadium.
The existing West Stand has benefited from the creation of eight covered wheelchair spaces at the upper concourse level. And they have direct access to refreshments, toilets facilities and accessible parking facilities.
Scarborough Athletic chairman Trevor Bull said: “The construction of the new Adverset Stand is the culmination of a two-year process since we returned to the town.
“The success of the club since our return and the way that the town has embraced the club has meant that we quickly realised that we required more seated and covered terracing.
“With the help of funding from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and Scarborough Borough Council via the Flamingo Land naming rights fund, we have been able to provide our supporters with the facilities they deserve.
“It's great to see Premier League money filtering down in this way. Who would have thought when the new club was formed in 2007 that 12 years later we would be playing in front of large crowds again in such an excellent stadium?”
The chairman added: “It is testament to the hard work of our club officials and volunteers as well as the loyal support of our fans.”
For more information visit fsif.co.uk.
