The Heritage Foundation has awarded £5000 to Letchworth Eagles Football Club to build a new stand looking out onto the first team pitch.
The grant was given during the 2021/22 season and went towards the cost of constructing an additional covered area for spectators. This has enabled the club to comply with league rules following promotion to Division 1 of the Spartan South Midlands League at the beginning of the 21/22 season.
Tony Eden, Head of the Club Senior Section and Project Manager for the new development commented, “The Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation has offered financial support for capital projects to the Eagles over many years and the recent grant of £5000 towards the cost of building a new spectator stand is the latest example of their encouragement to community clubs to improve their facilities for the benefit of their members.”
Letchworth Eagles FC was first established as a football club for juniors in the late 1970s and with the support from the community and football lovers, they have grown to their present size including three male adult teams and a women’s team. The club has over 600 players registered between the ages of 6 and 18 years in the junior club, and around 100 players registered at adult level. Around 50 three to five-year olds attend the Saturday Soccer School.
Letchworth Eagles FC are affiliated to the Hertfordshire FA and were awarded the status of Charter Standard Development Club of the year in 2008.
Alastair Stewart, Head of Charitable Projects, and Partnerships at the Heritage Foundation, said, “An increase of on-grounds supporters will bring a cheerful atmosphere to each game. Upgrades to the club’s facilities will encourage the players and allow supporters to feel comfortable.”
The Foundation first forged a partnership with the club in 2006 when a grant was given to build a new clubhouse including a small café area, toilets and changing rooms for players and match officials. This enabled the club to attract new adult members and grow to its present level.
