Holbeach United Community Sports Academy’s impressive new purpose-built base at Pennyhill is almost ready for its grand opening.
Dubbed Kings Academy, the project took seven long years to become a reality – but it is now just a month away from opening its doors.
Former Norwich City, Chelsea, Celtic and Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton is scheduled to open the Tigers’ new pen on Friday, June 26, before more than 700 boys and girls christen the pitches at a tournament held over the following two days.
The £504,000 facility is based on a 15-acre piece of land that was donated by late Holbeach businessman – and lifelong Tigers supporter – John King.
Built by Holbeach firm Langwith Builders, Kings Academy includes a community hall, kitchen, four changing rooms (all with shower facilities) and two officials rooms. It will also boast enough pitches to accommodate the Tigers’ 14 thriving junior sides.
Some of the many sponsors and supporters of the project were able to get a sneak preview of the facility last week, with their advertising boards proudly on display. And Holbeach United Community Sports Academy vice chairman Stuart Clark admits the trustees and committee are delighted to see a dream finally be realised.
He said: “It’s been a long time coming, I can’t believe we’re almost done. Obviously we are absolutely over the moon with it, our facilities will be second to none in the area and the club will benefit immensely. We want to involve the club more in the community and feel that having this new home will help us massively with that.
“On behalf of Holbeach United Community Sports Academy, the trustees would like to thank Ashley King Developments, Langwith Builders, Lincolnshire County Council, South Holland District Council, Wren and everyone else that has helped this project become a reality.
“It was great to see some of the sponsors visit and see their boards. We’ve still got plenty of space for others, should any other local businesses wish to support and advertise their business.
“We’d also like it to be known that we’ve got a community hall that will be available to hire out.”
With 14 junior teams based at Kings Academy next season, anybody interested in taking an advertising board will benefit from a huge amount of footfall. Boards are priced at £250 for one season, or £500 if you want to book for three seasons.
To advertise at the new academy contact Stuart Clark via email on [email protected], or phone on 07831 400052. If you are interested in hiring the hall, please contact Christian Stebbings on 07809 625285.
The first-ever Holbeach Music and Beer Festival will be held at the new facility from August 7-9. Business sponsors are needed to make the festival a success. Contact Sean Taylor on 01406 490265 or 07955 885030.
