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Needed: a place to call 'Home'

• Why is development needed?
A new football ground in the borough would be a permanent base for Guildford City Football Club, and other football activities in the borough. At its height, the town’s football club was one of the best in non-league football. Since the sale of the old ground in Joseph’s Road, the town has been without a true home for football - and has been overtaken in sporting stature by nearby Aldershot, Woking and Farnborough - each of whom boast an excellent football ground. The town’s football club currently rent a pitch at the Spectrum Leisure Centre. To progress up the league system, the club requires a ground more suitable for football, this would also help to boost the club’s profile in the town.

• Who would be involved?
With a headquarters from which to operate, Guildford City would finally be able to expand and integrate more fully with the community. For example, a reserve and ladies team would be founded - as well continuing the excellent work of Guildford City Youth FC. The club would like to help other sporting organisations in the borough, such as the Guildford City Amateur Boxing and Table Tennis clubs to find a more appropriate home - this could be achieved through the provision of a reasonably sized gym. Ultimately, any new development would benefit the community by providing more sporting opportunities.

• What makes this a feasible development?
Drawing on similar developments in Dartford and nearby Horley, the ground would be modestly sized and contain a number of environmentally friendly features. This would be achieved with solar panels to reduce the ‘carbon footprint’ of the development, and the re-use of water wherever possible. We also plan to make the building accessible to all by making it wheelchair friendly, thus including people who are not currently able to enjoy football in the town. With the long term plan for progression up the league system - having an ecologically sound building would improve the reputation of Guildford as a town and in the footballing world.

• How would this be funded?
Firstly, a number of government grants are available for new developments like this, such as through the Football Foundation. It is hoped that a trust can be founded, similar to that of the highly successful AFC Wimbledon FC. This would ensure both the short and long term financial stability of the project.

• What happens next?
In the first instance, the club needs the Slyfield planning authorities to agree that development is possible. It is important for this to be raised during planning meetings, and the club will be available for consultation at any time.