Magpies switching to artificial turf

The Magpies outlined their intentions on Friday to install a 3G pitch next summer at the Avenue, pictured, before their 2-1 reverse at Dunstable Town on Saturday in the EVO-STIK League Southern's top flight.

In a statement on their website confirming they were now in the process of compiling a business plan to apply for grant-funding, officials said they hoped the move would help the club maximise the potential income from their stadium facilities while benefiting the local community.

The Magpies said: “Due to FIFA regulations, introduced in late 2015, the club no longer qualified for Football Foundation funding, this was a major blow to the plans to have a 3G pitch installed in the summer of 2016.

“In October 2016 the club expressed an intention to apply for Section 106 funding for 50 per cent of the cost, we are now in the process of compiling a business plan for the Section 106 application. This business plan will be distributed in due course. We are working on funding options for the other 50 per cent required and are hopeful a 3G pitch will be installed at the Avenue Stadium over the summer of 2017."

The club added: "A 3G pitch would allow the Avenue to become a home for Dorchester Town Youth Football Club, with youngsters training and playing at the stadium every week. It will also allow the club's subsidiary, Kixstart, to expand their Ability Counts and Walking Football offer. The stadium would become the hub of football for the local community."

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1