A FOOTBALL club chairman has outlined his vision for the club and how it can benefit the wider community.
Portland United Football Club chairman Matt Lucas says the club is moving closer to delivering a new 3G pitch which he believes would become a major asset for the Isle of Portland.
The artificial surface has been part of the club’s vision for some time, according to Mr Lucas, who said plans were progressing steadily as the club begins a new chapter playing at a higher level.
He said: "It’s been within our vision plan for quite some time now and we’ve been working steadily on that.
"It is quite a long process, but it has to be done in the right way.
"I would like to think that we’re getting closer and closer.
"Things are really positive and hopefully we will be able to bring some positive news on that as we progress this season."
Lucas said a 3G facility would be intended for much more than Portland United’s first team, offering opportunities for young people and other groups across the island.
"We feel it’s the right thing for the Isle of Portland," he said.
"It’s a real community thing and I think it will be great for the youth and for different groups to be able to come and use it.
"It’s a facility that we will be proud to manage.
"Ultimately, the main thing is that it’s going to be a real asset for Portland as a whole. That’s important to us. We want to be a hub."
The club is also carrying out work to bring its ground, the Camp & Satherley Stadium in line with Southern League standards, with improvements required to the pitch, changing areas and wider facilities.
READ: Portland United clubhouse extension to be completed in April
As per league rules, the club has been given until the end of March to complete the necessary work, including the installation of turnstiles.
Mr Lucas added: "We’re very much on schedule for what we need to do.
"We’re working hard and we’re going to make sure that we do what we need to do to make sure that we are ready for the Southern League.
"It’s good that we’ve got that time. It’s good that we’ve had those assessments, so we know what we’ve got to do."
The club has already invested £300,000 into extending its bar facilities, installing new lifts and toilets in its clubhouse.
The plan is to continue to strengthen its infrastructure, with the aim of attracting families, young people and community groups as well as matchgoing supporters.
"We’re a community club. That’s something that we’re really, really proud of, and that will always be behind everything that we do," Mr Lucas said.
"We want to see families coming along, we want to see our youth coming, all those different groups, and then hopefully they will use our facilities, the bar and the catering.
"I think it will just make us stronger as a whole."
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