Two non league clubs announce two separate groundshares

Two non league clubs recently announce two separate groundshares for the 2021/22 campaign, something noteworthy for keen groundhoppers.

One non league club have been forced to leave their stadium and in order play Step 6 fixtures for the forthcoming season.

Southern Football League Division One South outfit Thatcham Town have announced they have agreed a deal with AFC Aldermaston to play their home games at the Stac A Truc Stadium for 2021/22.

This groundshare will enable the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East. club to fulfil its Step 6 fixtures for the forthcoming season.

The groundshare became necessary as AFC Aldermaston were unable to meet the required ground grading criteria at their home ground Aldermaston Recreational Society.

AFC Aldermaston chairman Martin Desay said: “It is really sad to have to leave the Rec Soc, which has been our home since 1952 when the club was originally formed by the early pioneer workers of what was then AWRE.

“The club has invested significant effort, finance and resource to improve the ground, including providing floodlights, barriers, and changing facilities.

“When a senior club must leave its home ground, which will naturally have an impact on the local community, its supporters, players and volunteers. We will have to work hard to manage this transition to Thatcham Town to make it work for us.

“We are, however, really excited about the prospect of sharing Thatcham Town`s ground and excellent modern facilities and great staff.

“Thatcham chairman Dave Melin and I have been working together for a few months now to make this happen, and we are looking forward to working ever closely across both clubs to our mutual benefit as we move forward”.

ALDERMASTON STATEMENT:

AFC Aldermaston are pleased to announce they have entered into a groundshare agreement with Thatcham Town FC, for season 2021-22. This groundshare will enable the club to fulfil its Step 6 fixtures for the forthcoming season.

“We would like to thank the Chairman of Thatcham Town, Dave Melin and the club committee for their work in pulling together this agreement, and look forward to both clubs working closely together in the coming months.

“The groundshare became necessary as AFC Aldermaston were unable to meet the required Ground Grading criteria for Step 6 at their home ground Aldermaston Recreational Society.

“AFC Aldermaston Chairman, Martin Desay stated `It is really sad to have to leave the Rec Soc, which has been our home since 1952 when the club was originally formed, by the early pioneer workers of what was then AWRE.

“The Club has invested significant effort, finance and resource to improve the ground, including providing floodlights, barriers, and changing facilities.

“When a senior club has to leaves its home ground, that will naturally have an impact on the local community, its supporters, players and volunteers.

“We will have to work really hard to manage this transition to Thatcham Town to make it work for us.

“We are however, really excited about the prospect of sharing Thatcham Town’s ground and excellent modern facilities and great staff.

“Dave Melin Thatcham Town Chairman and I have been working together for a few months now to make this happen, and we are looking forward to working ever closely across both clubs to our mutual benefit as we move forward.’

Meanwhile, Newark have secured a groundshare agreement for next season which will see them play their home games at Basford United.

Gary Clarke, Newark’s chairman, said as part of the announcement: “We would like to publicly thank Basford United for allocating this move for us, they have been absolutely fantastic in every way.

“Basford have always set the benchmark for us and we will enjoy using their fantastic and ever-improving facilities. We also look forward to working alongside everyone at the club and wish them all the best for the season ahead.

“The agreement secures the continuation of the football club at Step 5 and gives us valuable time to engage with local councillors to negotiate options to find a new home in Newark to relocate and build the club at the heart of the community where it belongs.”

SEE MORE: Non league club Newark forced to groundshare to prevent folding