Gladiators support Cavendish Fields development fundraiser

A Crowdfunding page has been set up to improve facilities at one of the Derbyshire Dales major footballing venues.

Cavendish Fields, situated at the top of Matlock is home to Matlock Town Juniors and over many years, many footballing sides, whether they be adults or juniors of both genders have been regular users at Cavendish.

Now being run by the Cavendish Fields Sports Association (CFSA), it is felt that the time has come to introduce a new 3G pitch which they say will “enhance capacity, reliability and quality and secure the future of the facilities.” The CFSA have been working closely with the Football Foundation and the total cost of the project will not exceed £200,000 but the CFSA have confirmed that through community fundraising and donations, about 75% of the costs have been accounted for. Now it is all about raising the remainder.

The current all weather pitch is no longer suitable. Added to it being heavily worn, the Football Association will no longer approve it for competitive games due to it being too small.

The aim now is to construct a larger and modern pitch which is seen as being an investment for current and future generations of users and protect the future of the facilities.

The CFSA have been working in tandem with the Derbyshire FA and Sport England with the recommendation that the area be extended for competitive fixtures and training.

Matlock Town Chairman Jay Beaumont is playing a key role in the project and says it is imperative that the pitch is in place as soon as possible both from a community and football club aspect.

It is hoped that the Gladiators first team can use the venue on a regular basis for midweek training.

“Cavendish Fields is a facility that’s of huge importance not just to Matlock Town but to the whole community. It’s a place where our children come together to enjoy learning new skills, whether that be the wonderful game of football, the benefits of working as a team or quite simply making new friends which in itself helps our communities develop lasting relationships which will help the area prosper for many generations to come.”

Waterlogging has long been an issue at Cavendish as Mr Beaumont points out.

“It’s so important for us to achieve our ambition of upgrading the all weather facility to ensure that football and the social values from it can continue all year round rather than having many weeks off due to waterlogged pitches.”

This of course, will lead to increased usage of the facilities and he sees that having wide ranging positive implications.

“The more usage the facility gets, the more revenue is generated which will be all reinvested in developing the wider facilities further. Hopefully all this will help our local players continue their development and where possible banging on the doors of our mens and ladies first teams.”

Matlock Town is proud to be a local community club in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales and the Gladiators Chairman says that the club are proud to partner the with the CFSA in developing the facilities at Cavendish Fields.

“Everyone in the area knows where Cavendish is and with football being the leading sport and in particular with the development of the ladies game in the country, we’re extremely proud to be involved in enhancing the facilities at Cavendish. I would urge local people to support this project in any way you can, details of the Crowdfunding page can be found on the club’s website www.matlocktownfc.co.uk or by accessing the Cavendish Fields 3G Pitch Upgrade on crowdfunder.co.uk

Ian Richardson