The FIFA Pro 3G surface is hoping to be in place by the start of next season, with the Club already halfway towards the £700,000 they require for phase one of the project – the installation of the pitch and floodlights.

However, the emphasis on the project is on far more than just Leiston Football Club and its many teams from U8s to the first team, with the wider community also set to benefit from the new facilities.

Club chairman Andy Crisp admitted to being delighted with the way the project is moving forward.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Leiston 3G Project’ at Fishers Gin Distillery, in Aldeburgh he said: “This is a very exciting time for Leiston Football Club. And this is one of the biggest projects the club has ever undertaken.

“But just as importantly, this is a very exciting time for the town of Leiston and the surrounding area. While our own teams will benefit from the facility, there are many other local teams and individuals who we want to enjoy it and benefit from it – and they will. This is very much a community facility, not just a Leiston Football Club one.”

While phase one is to install the pitch, phases two and three will include improvements to the clubhouse, changing rooms and additional car parking, among other things.
Leiston joint first-team manager, Darren Eadie, spoke of his enthusiasm: “We have just the one main pitch right now, which is regarded as one of the best in the county. But it takes an awful pounding at times.

“A 3G pitch will mean we can actually train at our own ground, something that hasn’t always been possible. And of course the opportunity for local groups to make use of the facility is a great community boost.”

The Club continue to look for more investment to fund the project and anyone who would like to discuss further can contact:

Andy Crisp (Chairman) on acrisp5@aol.com

Dave Williams (Director of Football) on dave.williams@leistonfc.co.uk.