A seaside football club has expressed an interest in upgrading its facilities as members say they struggle to use the current resources. 

Bude Town Football Club currently has four adult teams, split between two men’s teams, one ladies’ team, and a veteran’s team, as well as eight youth teams, however, the team has voiced that it is struggling to use the facilities currently at its disposal. 

At a recent Bude-Stratton Town Council meeting, club president Richard Pinkus expressed some of the club’s frustrations. 

Speaking to the council, he said: “We have a facility which is far below the standards required and the needs of the club. We have in the last couple of years attained the status of being in the South West Peninsula League, which of course demands higher conditions than we currently have.  

“So far, we have been able to establish floodlights and railings across the ground. We are also in the process of installing a covered stand for the use of the spectators.”  

However, despite upgrades, the current state of the club’s facilities have forced some teams to use neighbouring clubs’ facilities for training. 

Richard continued: “The situation regarding the weather in the last couple of years has meant that some of the playing surfaces of the main pitch and the training areas especially, have become unplayable. It has come to the situation where we do not have this facility fit enough to allow for training to take place.  

“We have to cater to three men’s teams, a lady’s team, and numerous youth teams from eight to 16 to be able to train. Some of these use the school Astro, although the lighting situation now is well below standard, with some lights not even working. Therefore, some of our teams are going out of the area to use facilities offered by other clubs with not so many teams.  

“We are in the process of improving the whole facility. We have plans to improve the clubhouse, changing rooms and training facilities.”  

Speaking to the Post a club spokesperson added: “The current facilities are tired and in desperate need of improvement.  The changing rooms in particular.  The pitches, due to their over-use, are not of good quality and are in need of improvement.  

“Some matches have been postponed as the pitches can quickly get cut up due to over-use.  The club would really like to be more joined up and be able to offer the same level of provision for players from all teams in the adult and junior section, however that is increasingly difficult.  For example, the under 16s boys’ and girls’ teams could play on the club’s main pitch which would be great for the cohesion of the club and player progression, however with four adult teams also using the pitch, it’s very difficult to maintain an acceptable level of playing surface, especially in the winter.  

“The main issue is the club has a vision to be a community hub, and with so many teams playing and training across a variety of sites, it makes it very difficult to maintain the level of pitch provision, equipment storage, refreshments, toilets, changing facilities that we are striving for as a community club. Furthermore, in terms of player development and performance, the local training and playing facilities are not comparable to other Cornish towns such as Launceston, Camelford, Bodmin and St Austell.” 

Among elements the club hopes to improve are a new playing surface, clubhouse and implementing training lights.  

Richard continued: “The clubhouse will be large enough to facilitate community use.  

“We are currently using the Junior School field for the youth teams, and having been in touch with the owners of the field, and aspire to upgrade that facility.  Our plan is to put a 3G surface down, high fencing for security, and training lights. Markings will be made on the training surface for the benefit of other sports clubs to take advantage of, so this particular facility would become a community project. This of course would be helped by booking fees etc.” 

One avenue which the club has been exploring is Section 106 funding, funds which are paid by developers for the use of community infrastructure projects.  

The club approached Cavanna Homes, who are shortly to begin a project to build 144 new homes titled the Belle Vue Development. As part of construction, more than £200,000 has been set aside for community improvements.  

However, the trigger for this payment is the completion of 50 per cent of the residential development, and as such it will likely be some time before the funds are available to use.  

After approaching Bude-Stratton Town Council, the council expressed an interest in supporting the club, but requested more information be provided following some upcoming meetings.  

A spokesperson from the club told the Post: “There is still some money available from The Football Foundation - but this has to be spent on a 50-seater stand to ensure the club complies to the Step Six ground grading.  Planning for development has already been drawn up and is imminently being submitted to the council.  We continue to look for support for funding. 

“Architect plans are drawn up and due to be submitted to council.  Club continues to look for funding partners to make the project a reality.”  

The club hopes that receiving support from the community in spreading the word will help encourage developments.  

They added: “If people have any contact with local businesses who are keen to support the development of an important local project, that would be great. 

“We would always encourage local people to come down and watch the football, see visibility of our plans (that are up in the clubhouse) and see the potential of an upgraded facility in the future.  There are also plenty of opportunities to volunteer within the club and become involved in our plans.”