Some of you will be aware of the publication of the latest Football Association National Ground Grading Document which stipulates what they are proposing for ground requirements at the various league levels in the football 'pyramid' system. Basically, the FA are intending to 'up the ante' somewhat and are considering adding many further requirements that Clubs must meet as they progress up the leagues. At our last Club General Committee Meeting, we went through the requirements that are proposed for entry into the Screwfix (commonly known as 'Grading Category G'). There are many extras such as floodlighting, covered accommodation on both sides of the pitch and dressing room buildings built of brick or concrete. There are no Clubs at our level and at the level above us for that matter that meet this criteria so the FA's proposals are simply outrageous. If Clubs are to meet these guidance levels they will need hundreds of thousands of pounds and as we all know unless a Roman Abramovich walks into the Club offering access to his cheque book it just isn't going to happen. As a Committee we have decided to persist with the realistic aims we have set out to achieve and hope the FA comes to its senses or that the Screwfix will make the necessary allowances to allow Clubs to progress in a realistic arena. I will be writing to the FA and the Screwfix on behalf of the Club (as will many other Club Chairmen no doubt) and I am sure common sense will ultimately prevail.

Spence

The FA would like all Screwfix Division 1 sides to follow its own template for stadium building in future...