Two non league clubs announce groundshare with two others looking for one

Two non league clubs have chosen to announce an extended if you like groundshare, with another two sides looking for one.

Isthmian North Division outfit Witham Town confirm that they will have a tenant for the 2021/22 season at their Simarco Stadium.

It will be shared by Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League side Hackney Wick after sharing during the 2020-21 campaign, which ended prematurely with Hackney Wick sitting in 11th place in the Division One table.

They are looking at raising £1million over five years so that they can have a stadium they can call their own.

bobbykasanga20 wrote in 2020: “As you know Hackney is the only borough in London without a football ground that alllows football to be played at a semi professional level.

“This means no pathways for adult football for our local youths. This also means @hackneywickfc having to go and rent facilities out of the borough.

“You would have also heard back in February that we are now homeless and frantically looking for a home for next season.

“We are in discussions with the FA about various possible options which of course are not guaranteed.

“This is why today we will be launching a stadium fund. We are looking to raise £1million over the next 5 years to bring about a stadium in the borough.

“Even if it has to be out of the borough we need our own facilities. You can donate via our website. The power of football to unite communities, especially in the current climate is one that has to be promoted.

“The power of football to provide opportunities and ways out of anti- Social behaviours is crucial to tackling youth violence. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TEAM”

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Witham Town FC (@withamtownfootballclub)

Witham Town wrote: “Following discussions between Mark Nicholls and Bobby Kasanga, we are delighted to announce that the Simarco Stadium will be home to Hackney Wick FC for the 2021/22 season.

“As we begin to see light at the end of tunnel in regards to Covid-19, this is great news and we can’t wait to see our good friends back with us very soon!”

Barking, from the Isthmian South Central division, opened their brand new 3G pitch in the 2020-21 season, and are looking to have someone else to play on it too for the forthcoming term.

They have published the following statement on social media: ‘Barking FC have an opportunity for a senior club to Groundshare their new 3G FIFA approved Quality Pro standard Astro Stadium. It’s available for 21/22 season. For further details please contact Chairman Rob on robo4football@msn.com.’

Meanwhile, Hashtag United, who were founded by YouTube personality Spencer Owen, are also on the look out for a new permanent stadium to call home.

They are currently members of the Essex Senior League, and have previously groundshared at the likes of Haringey Borough, Tilbury and Bowers & Pitsea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Hashtag United FC (@hashtagutd)

Spencer wrote via Twitter: “Essex-based football clubs* I am on the search for a permanent home for @hashtagutd. I’m looking for a club/ground to partner with. I can help ensure our partner club’s long term future & invest significantly into the facility. If interested: seb@hashtagunited.co.uk

“Alternatively I’m also open to purchasing a ground outright if the opportunity arises and it’s the right fit. I prefer the idea of helping another club survive in this difficult time but I’m open to all options.

“We already have a great ground-share situation we are very happy with that we’ll be extending into next season. We are only going to move for the right project that allows us to take more control of a facility & build a more sustainable business model than being a tenant allows.”

There was plenty of reaction as two non league clubs announce groundshare with another two looking for one…

ON HASHTAG:

@BseaBlue: I hear Ship Lane in Thurrock is still available mate

@SJEthan89: I hope & wish this man nothing but success now and for his entire life and career. Started watching him on YouTube. Through hard work, dedication and a lot fun. He’s created a football club. Love ya Spence! All the way from state side

@ChampionshipRW: “I want to take over the main thing you have about your local club so I can make you irrelevant to the wider market”

@westhamIuke: If you’re not familiar with Hashtag United and everything they do, this is a fantastic opportunity. Worth considering at least @OfficialClarets

@FakeLiamWilson: @CIFC no brainer, the income they’ll bring

READ MORE: League One club set for groundshare at non league stadium