Steyning to install 3G pitch for new season

Plans were finally approved earlier this month following a two-year battle and Town will now able to boast a state-of-the-art pitch.

Steyning will become the third Sussex side to have this type of surface installed in the past year as they follow both Worthing and the Sussex FA at Lancing’s lead.

Town chairman Richard Woodbridge is delighted plans have finally been given the green light.

He said: “It’s going to be great for everyone involved with this club. We’ve seen another couple of teams do this in Sussex and we wanted to follow suit.

“I think it’s going to be the future of the game at this level, so for us to be leading lights in a way is fantastic.

“Our pitch has been a major issue over the past few years and that has held us back a little in the past.

“Now everything is approved, those problems will be no more and fulfilling home fixtures will no longer be an issue.”

With work starting later this month and not due to be complete until September, Town will play their opening few Southern Combination League Division 1 matches on the road.

Despite having to be on their travels for the first couple of months, Woodbridge does not feel that will be a problem.

He said: “We’ve cleared it with the league and will play all of our games away until the work is complete.

“Lancing were in a similar position last season and they had a great year, so I don’t see it as being a problem for us.”

Steyning’s chairman believes the 3G surface is a real coup for the community as a whole.

With an all-weather surface available, Woodbridge sees it as an opportunity for players to continue their growth.

He said: “First and foremost, we want the club and people from the community to use this.

“The club teams and people from the surrounding will take priority in the first instance, then we may well visit other options with regard to leasing the pitch out.”

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