Club needs help in search for new home ground
A FOOTBALL team that has been homeless for 20 years is asking landowners to help find it a ground.
Sharpness AFC lost its home ground, The Port, in 1988 when British Waterways sold the land it was on for industrial development.
Since then the club has had several temporary homes including The New Lawn, home to Forest Green Rovers, and more recently the Vale of Berkeley College.
The absence of a home ground has led to bitter disappointment for fans and players over the years, as strict league rules have meant the North Senior League team has been forced to turn down promotion several times.
However, after years of fundraising, club officials believe a new home ground could at last become a reality.
James Wright, assistant secretary at Sharpness AFC, said: "We decided about eight years ago we would do the fundraising ourselves and just get on with it.
"We are now in a position to start looking for land and want to hear from any local landowners who might consider either selling or donating land to us."
Mr Wright said a new home ground would give a real boost not only to the team, but to the Sharpness community who were devastated when they had to watch the old ground demolished.
He said: "There was quite a lot of upset at the time. There was a grandstand on it built in memory of those who died in the First World War.
"To have our own ground again would mean an awful lot to certainly all those involved and provide a focal point for the community.
"It would also mean a lot to the players. It's disheartening for a team when you spend all season playing well, then win the league but can't get the promotion you deserve."
Sharpness AFC need approximately four acres of land for a new pitch, changing rooms and a small car park. Officials have said they are prepared to consider land in the Sharpness or Berkeley locality.
Mr Wright said: "Ideally we'd just love to bring the club back to Sharpness, where it belongs."
To contact Sharpness AFC write to James Wright, Wanswell Villa, Wanswell, Berkeley, GL13 9RP.
8:30am Friday 16th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Club Supporter, Berkeley on 4:45pm Mon 19 May 08
Good Luck to the Sharks in their continued pursuit for a new ground. If the Port wasnt lost, who knows what level of football would be played in our area.
Good Luck to the Sharks in their continued pursuit for a new ground. If the Port wasnt lost, who knows what level of football would be played in our area.
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