The EVO-STIK League Southern Division One Central Geordies and Northern Counties East League outfit Cleethorpes Town were celebrating on Monday after being named as the inaugural winners of a competition that will see two more clubs share in a £100,000 windfall again next season as Buildbase celebrate their sponsorship of the FA Trophy and FA Vase.
The boost for the Perivale-based club came after their 12th placed finish to the 2016-17 season on Saturday following a 2-0 reverse for Ray Duffy's side at EVO-STIK League Southern Division One Central champions Royston Town. Founded in 1920, Hanwell Town won promotion to the EVO-STIK League Southern as South Midlands League Premier Division champions in 2014.
As one of this season's Buildbase FA Vase finalists, Lincolnshire-based Cleethorpes Town are now hoping to complete a unique 'double' by overcoming Northern League South Shields on Non-League Finals Day at Wembley next month following a Dragons Den-style pitching event for six finalists to the competition's judges at the national stadium in March.
The two winners will now start receiving building, electrical and hire products provided by local Buildbase branches whose experts will also work with the clubs this summer to help them improve their facilities before the new season kicks off in August.
A judging panel from Buildbase and the Football Association selected Hanwell’s proposal for their Reynolds Field home because it was well-thought through, costed and would be positive for both club and the local community.
Buildbase commercial director Paul Roche said: “Awarding the product bursary to two clubs this year is the culmination of Buildbase’s promise to help Non-League football clubs revive their facilities. The pitches from all six shortlisted clubs were of a really high standard and it was genuinely difficult to decide on the two winners, both of which have plans that offer the right mix of football and community benefit.”
FA Commercial Director Mark Bullingham added: “For a football club at any level, good facilities are key to creating a positive environment and a thriving culture. Thanks to our partnership with Buildbase, two Non-League clubs have a wonderful opportunity to create a lasting legacy for their players and staff."
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